WO2024171904A1 - Induction heating cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

An induction heating cooker of the present disclosure comprises a top plate, a first heating coil unit, an inverter circuit, a plurality of light emitting sections, and a control section. The first heating coil unit is disposed under the top plate. The control section controls the inverter circuit and the plurality of light emitting sections. The first heating coil unit includes first and second heating coils adjacent to each other, and an overlap portion in which the first and second heating coils overlap each other. The plurality of light emitting sections include first to third light emitting sections arrayed in the depth direction. The first to third light emitting sections are respectively spaced apart, in the width direction, from the center of a part of the first heating coil with the exception of the overlap portion, the center of a part of the second heating coil with the exception of the overlap portion, and the center of the overlap portion.

Description

Induction Cooker

This disclosure relates to an induction heating cooker.

Patent Document 1 discloses a cooking device equipped with a roughly ring-shaped light emitter arranged on the underside of a top plate.

The cooking device described in Patent Document 1 indicates the position of the induction heating coil by lighting up light-emitting elements arranged around the induction heating coil. In this conventional technology, the brightness of the light-emitting elements is lowered when heating is stopped, and the brightness of the light-emitting elements is increased when heating starts.

Patent document 2 discloses a flex coil type cooking device that has multiple elliptical heating coils and can heat a pot using some of the multiple heating coils that correspond to the shape of the pot.

JP 2013-002648 A International Publication No. 2016/181653

However, the cooking device described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of efficient arrangement of the light emitters.

For example, in a configuration with multiple heating coils, such as the heating cooker described in Patent Document 2, if the ring-shaped light emitter described in Patent Document 1 is placed on each heating coil, the mechanism and arrangement will become complicated, the number of parts will increase, or the light emitters will partially overlap, resulting in inefficiencies.

The present disclosure aims to provide an induction heating cooker with multiple heating coils that allows efficient arrangement of light emitters while properly indicating the area of the heating coils in operation.

An induction heating cooker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a top plate, a first heating coil unit, an inverter circuit, a plurality of light-emitting elements, and a control unit.

The first heating coil unit is disposed below the top plate and inductively heats an object to be heated placed on the top plate. The inverter circuit supplies high-frequency current to the first heating coil unit. The control unit controls the inverter circuit and the multiple light-emitting units.

The first heating coil unit has a first heating coil, a second heating coil, and an overlapping portion. The second heating coil is disposed adjacent to the first heating coil. The overlapping portion is the portion where the first heating coil and the second heating coil overlap.

The multiple light-emitting elements include a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element that are arranged in the depth direction, which is the direction from the first heating coil to the second heating coil.

The first light-emitting element is arranged at a distance in the width direction from the center in the width direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the portion excluding the overlapping portion of the first heating coil. The second light-emitting element is arranged at a distance in the width direction from the center in the width direction of the portion excluding the overlapping portion of the second heating coil. The third light-emitting element is arranged at a distance in the width direction from the center in the width direction of the overlapping portion.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently position the light emitter while properly indicating the area of the operating heating coil.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing a heating coil unit seen through a top plate in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment with the top plate removed. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 6A is a schematic top view showing a heatable region in a first heating state of the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 6B is a schematic top view showing a heatable region in the second heating state of the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 6C is a schematic top view showing a heatable region in the third heating state of the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of an operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of the operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 7C is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of the operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of an operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of the operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of the operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 8D is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of the operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of an operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of the operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 9C is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of the operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of an operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of an operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a transition of a display screen of an operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen of an operation display unit in the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment.

(Background to this disclosure)
Fig. 3 is a schematic top view showing a heating coil unit through a top plate in an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment. As described below, the induction heating cooker of the present disclosure includes a heating coil unit having circular first and second heating coils arranged to overlap each other as shown in Fig. 3. Each of the first and second heating coils includes six sector-shaped coil pieces. Two of the six coil pieces of the first heating coil are common to the second heating coil.

In such an induction heating cooker, if the ring-shaped light emitter described in Patent Document 1 is applied to each of the first and second heating coils, overlapping portions will be generated, resulting in inefficiency. In addition, applying a light emitter to each coil piece will increase the number of parts.

In other words, when the structure of the heating coil unit becomes complex, it becomes necessary to arrange the light emitters efficiently.

The inventors therefore came up with the following invention, which relates to a configuration that efficiently arranges light emitters while properly indicating the area of the operating heating coil.

The following describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings.

(Embodiment)
[1. Configuration]
Hereinafter, a configuration of an induction heating cooker 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1-1. Overall configuration]
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the induction heating cooker 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the induction heating cooker 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the induction heating cooker 1 through a top plate 11. 4 is a schematic top view showing the heating coil unit Fig. 4 is a schematic top view of the induction heating cooker 1 with the top plate 11 removed.

The Cartesian coordinate system shown in Figures 1 to 4 has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that respectively indicate the left and right, front and rear, and top and bottom of the induction heating cooker 1. In other words, the width direction, depth direction, and height direction of the induction heating cooker 1 are directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The positive direction of the X-axis, the positive direction of the Y-axis, and the positive direction of the Z-axis correspond to the right, rear, and vertically upward, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, an induction heating cooker 1 can inductively heat a cooking vessel 2 that contains an object to be heated. In this disclosure, the cooking vessel 2 will be described as an example of an object to be heated. The object to be heated is not limited to the cooking vessel 2, and may be any object that can be inductively heated.

The induction heating cooker 1 comprises a top unit 10 and a main unit 50 arranged below the top unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the top unit 10 has a top plate 11, and a first operation display unit 20, a second operation display unit 30, and a third operation display unit 40 arranged near the front edge of the top plate 11.

As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the main unit 50 has a housing 51 disposed on the underside of the top plate 11. The housing 51 includes a grill chamber 52, a grill operation section 53, a first heating coil unit 60, a second heating coil unit 70, a fifth heating coil 80, and a first light-emitting section 90A to a seventh light-emitting section 90G.

The interior of the grill chamber 52 is configured to be heated by a grill coil 100 and a grill heater 101 (see FIG. 5) described below. The grill operation unit 53 is adjacent to the grill chamber 52.

The first heating coil unit 60 and the second heating coil unit 70 are arranged side by side along the X-axis. The fifth heating coil 80 is arranged in the gap between the first heating coil unit 60 and the second heating coil unit 70.

As described below, the first heating coil unit 60 includes a first heating coil 61 and a second heating coil 62. The second heating coil unit 70 includes a third heating coil 71 and a fourth heating coil 72.

The first operation display unit 20 is disposed in front of the first heating coil unit 60. The first operation display unit 20 receives instructions for the first heating coil unit 60 and displays the operation of the first heating coil unit 60.

The second operation display unit 30 is disposed in front of the second heating coil unit 70. The second operation display unit 30 receives instructions for the second heating coil unit 70 and displays the operation of the second heating coil unit 70.

The third operation display unit 40 is disposed in front of the fifth heating coil 80. The third operation display unit 40 receives instructions for the fifth heating coil 80 and displays the operation of the fifth heating coil 80.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the induction heating cooker 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the main unit 50 includes an inverter circuit 110 and a control unit 102. As described below, the control unit 102 controls the inverter circuit 110. The inverter circuit 110 supplies high-frequency currents to the first heating coil unit 60, the second heating coil unit 70, and the fifth heating coil 80 individually to drive the first heating coil unit 60, the second heating coil unit 70, and the fifth heating coil 80.

[1-2. Configuration of heating coil]
The configurations of the heating coil and the heating coil unit of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first heating coil unit 60 includes a first heating coil 61 and a second heating coil 62 arranged adjacent to each other in the depth direction. In this embodiment, the first heating coil 61 is arranged in front of the second heating coil 62.

The first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62 are circular and of approximately the same size, and have an overlapping portion. The overlapping portion of the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62 is called the first overlapping portion 63.

The first heating coil 61 has six coil pieces housed in six sector-shaped regions obtained by equally dividing a circular region in a plan view by three straight lines passing through its center. In other words, the first heating coil 61 has six sector-shaped coil pieces of approximately the same size and shape. The sector-shaped coil piece includes an arc portion, two straight portions, two connecting portions connecting the arc portion and the straight portions, and one connecting portion connecting the two straight portions.

The second heating coil 62 has the same configuration as the first heating coil 61. Each coil piece of the second heating coil 62 is the same as each coil piece of the first heating coil 61.

The first overlapping portion 63 has two coil pieces that are common to the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62. Note that the central angle of the two sector-shaped coil pieces of the first overlapping portion 63 faces the center of the first heating coil 61, not the center of the second heating coil 62.

The central angle of the sector-shaped coil piece points toward the center of the first heating coil 61, meaning that the arc portion of the sector-shaped coil piece is positioned along the outer periphery of the circular first heating coil 61.

The inverter circuit 110 can drive the two coil pieces of the first overlapping portion 63 simultaneously with either or both of the remaining four coil pieces of the first heating coil 61 and the remaining four coil pieces of the second heating coil 62.

The second heating coil unit 70 includes a third heating coil 71 and a fourth heating coil 72 arranged adjacent to each other in the depth direction. In this embodiment, the third heating coil 71 is arranged in front of the fourth heating coil 72.

The third heating coil 71 and the fourth heating coil 72 are circular and of approximately the same size, and have an overlapping portion. The overlapping portion of the third heating coil 71 and the fourth heating coil 72 is referred to as the second overlapping portion 73.

The third heating coil 71 has six coil pieces that are housed in six sector-shaped regions that are equally divided by three straight lines passing through the center of a circular region in a plan view. In other words, the third heating coil 71 has six sector-shaped coil pieces of approximately the same size and shape.

The fourth heating coil 72 has the same configuration as the third heating coil 71. Each coil piece of the fourth heating coil 72 is the same as each coil piece of the first heating coil 61, the second heating coil 62, and the third heating coil 71.

The second overlapping portion 73 has two coil pieces that are common to the third heating coil 71 and the fourth heating coil 72. Note that the central angle of the two sector-shaped coil pieces of the second overlapping portion 73 faces the center of the third heating coil 71, not the center of the fourth heating coil 72.

The central angle of the sector-shaped coil piece points toward the center of the third heating coil 71, meaning that the arc portion of the sector-shaped coil piece is positioned along the outer periphery of the circular third heating coil 71.

The inverter circuit 110 can drive the two coil pieces of the second overlapping portion 73 simultaneously with either or both of the remaining four coil pieces of the third heating coil 71 and the remaining four coil pieces of the fourth heating coil 72.

The fifth heating coil 80 is disposed between the second heating coil 62 and the fourth heating coil 72. In this embodiment, the fifth heating coil 80 has an elliptical shape with the major axis aligned along the Y axis.

Each coil piece of the first heating coil 61 has a thin conductor wound multiple times. The same is true for each coil piece of the second heating coil 62, the third heating coil 71, the fourth heating coil 72, and the fifth heating coil 80.

The induction heating cooker 1 is equipped with a plurality of temperature sensors 120 arranged inside the first heating coil 61, the second heating coil 62, the third heating coil 71, the fourth heating coil 72, and the fifth heating coil 80, respectively.

[1-3. Configuration of light-emitting unit]
The configuration of the light-emitting unit of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first light-emitting unit 90A to the seventh light-emitting unit 90G are disposed below the top plate 11. The top plate 11 has transmission windows at locations corresponding to the first light-emitting unit 90A to the seventh light-emitting unit 90G so that a user can visually recognize the light from each of the first light-emitting unit 90A to the seventh light-emitting unit 90G from the outside through the transmission windows.

The control unit 102 causes the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C to emit light to indicate the position in the first heating coil unit 60 where the cooking container 2 should be placed. The control unit 102 causes the fourth light-emitting unit 90D to the sixth light-emitting unit 90F to emit light to indicate the position in the second heating coil unit 70 where the cooking container 2 should be placed. The control unit 102 causes the seventh light-emitting unit 90G to emit light to indicate the position in which the cooking container 2 should be placed when the fifth heating coil 80 is operated.

Each of the first light-emitting section 90A to the third light-emitting section 90C includes two light-emitting sections that are linearly parallel to each other along the Y axis and have approximately the same length and width.

In each of the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C, one of the two light-emitting units is disposed a predetermined distance in one direction (e.g., to the right) from the center in the width direction of the first heating coil unit 60. The other of the two light-emitting units is disposed a predetermined distance in the other direction (e.g., to the left) from the center in the width direction of the first heating coil unit 60.

As described above, the width direction is the direction along the X-axis, and the depth direction is the direction along the Y-axis. In other words, the depth direction of the first heating coil unit 60 is the direction from the first heating coil 61 to the second heating coil 62 on the top plate 11. The width direction of the first heating coil unit 60 is the direction perpendicular to the depth direction on the top plate 11.

One of the two light-emitting units of the first light-emitting unit 90A is aligned in a straight line in the depth direction with one of the two light-emitting units of the second light-emitting unit 90B and one of the two light-emitting units of the third light-emitting unit 90C. The other of the two light-emitting units of the first light-emitting unit 90A is aligned in a straight line in the depth direction with the other of the two light-emitting units of the second light-emitting unit 90B and the other of the two light-emitting units of the third light-emitting unit 90C.

The two light-emitting elements of the first light-emitting element 90A are positioned a predetermined distance to the left and right of the center of the width direction of the front half of the first heating coil 61. The two light-emitting elements of the second light-emitting element 90B are positioned a predetermined distance to the left and right of the center of the width direction of the rear half of the second heating coil 62.

The two light-emitting elements of the third light-emitting element 90C are arranged at a predetermined distance to the left and right of the center in the width direction of the first overlapping portion 63. The first overlapping portion 63 is the portion where the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62 overlap, and corresponds to the rear half of the first heating coil 61 or the front half of the second heating coil 62.

In this embodiment, as described above, the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C are arranged in a straight line in the depth direction. In other words, the predetermined distance in the width direction of the first light-emitting unit 90A is constant and is the same as that of the second light-emitting unit 90B and the third light-emitting unit 90C. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

A small gap is provided between one of the two light-emitting parts of the first light-emitting part 90A and one of the two light-emitting parts of the third light-emitting part 90C. A small gap is provided between the other of the two light-emitting parts of the first light-emitting part 90A and the other of the two light-emitting parts of the third light-emitting part 90C.

A small gap is provided between one of the two light-emitting parts of the second light-emitting part 90B and one of the two light-emitting parts of the third light-emitting part 90C. A small gap is provided between the other of the two light-emitting parts of the second light-emitting part 90B and the other of the two light-emitting parts of the third light-emitting part 90C.

The two gaps between the first light-emitting element 90A and the third light-emitting element 90C, and the center of the first heating coil 61 are arranged on a straight line along the X-axis. The two gaps between the second light-emitting element 90B and the third light-emitting element 90C, and the center of the second heating coil 62 are arranged on a straight line along the X-axis. This allows the user to easily recognize the center of the first heating coil 61 and the center of the second heating coil 62, and allows the cooking container 2 to be placed in the appropriate position.

Each of the fourth light-emitting unit 90D to the sixth light-emitting unit 90F includes two light-emitting units that are linearly parallel to each other along the Y axis and have approximately the same length and width.

In each of the fourth light-emitting unit 90D to the sixth light-emitting unit 90F, one of the two light-emitting units is disposed a predetermined distance in one direction (e.g., to the right) from the center in the width direction of the second heating coil unit 70. The other of the two light-emitting units is disposed a predetermined distance in the other direction (e.g., to the left) from the center in the width direction of the second heating coil unit 70.

As described above, the width direction is the direction along the X-axis, and the depth direction is the direction along the Y-axis. In other words, the depth direction of the second heating coil unit 70 is the direction from the third heating coil 71 to the fourth heating coil 72 on the top plate 11. The width direction of the second heating coil unit 70 is the direction perpendicular to the depth direction on the top plate 11. Furthermore, the depth direction and width direction of the second heating coil unit 70 respectively coincide with the depth direction and width direction of the first heating coil unit 60.

One of the two light-emitting units of the fourth light-emitting unit 90D is aligned in a straight line in the depth direction with one of the two light-emitting units of the fifth light-emitting unit 90E and one of the two light-emitting units of the sixth light-emitting unit 90F. The other of the two light-emitting units of the fourth light-emitting unit 90D is aligned in a straight line in the depth direction with the other of the two light-emitting units of the fifth light-emitting unit 90E and the other of the two light-emitting units of the sixth light-emitting unit 90F.

The two light-emitting elements of the fourth light-emitting element 90D are positioned a predetermined distance to the left and right of the center of the width direction of the front half of the third heating coil 71. The two light-emitting elements of the fifth light-emitting element 90E are positioned a predetermined distance to the left and right of the center of the width direction of the rear half of the fourth heating coil 72.

The two light-emitting elements of the sixth light-emitting element 90F are arranged at a predetermined distance to the left and right of the center in the width direction of the second overlapping portion 73. The second overlapping portion 73 is the portion where the third heating coil 71 and the fourth heating coil 72 overlap, and corresponds to the rear half of the third heating coil 71 or the front half of the fourth heating coil 72.

In this embodiment, as described above, the fourth light-emitting unit 90D to the sixth light-emitting unit 90F are arranged in a straight line in the depth direction. In other words, the predetermined distance in the width direction of the fourth light-emitting unit 90D is constant and is the same as that of the fifth light-emitting unit 90E and the sixth light-emitting unit 90F. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

A small gap is provided between one of the two light-emitting sections of the fourth light-emitting section 90D and one of the two light-emitting sections of the sixth light-emitting section 90F. A small gap is provided between the other of the two light-emitting sections of the fourth light-emitting section 90D and the other of the two light-emitting sections of the sixth light-emitting section 90F.

A small gap is provided between one of the two light-emitting sections of the fifth light-emitting section 90E and one of the two light-emitting sections of the sixth light-emitting section 90F. A small gap is provided between the other of the two light-emitting sections of the fifth light-emitting section 90E and the other of the two light-emitting sections of the sixth light-emitting section 90F.

The two gaps between the fourth light-emitting element 90D and the sixth light-emitting element 90F, and the center of the third heating coil 71 are arranged on a straight line along the X-axis. The two gaps between the fifth light-emitting element 90E and the sixth light-emitting element 90F, and the center of the fourth heating coil 72 are arranged on a straight line along the X-axis. This allows the user to easily identify the center of the third heating coil 71 and the center of the fourth heating coil 72, and allows the cooking container 2 to be placed in the appropriate position.

The seventh light-emitting element 90G is a linear light-emitting element that is arranged along the X-axis in front of the fifth heating coil 80.

Each of the first light-emitting unit 90A to the seventh light-emitting unit 90G includes a light-emitting element and a light guide. For example, the light-emitting element is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light guide guides the light from the light-emitting element to the top plate 11.

[1-4. Configuration of operation display unit]
The configuration of the operation display unit in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 7A to Fig. 7C. Fig. 7A to Fig. 7C are diagrams showing the transition of the display screen of the operation display unit in the induction heating cooker 1.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C, the operation display unit includes an operation unit and a display unit. The operation unit is disposed in front of the display unit, and receives instructions for each of the first heating coil unit 60, the second heating coil unit 70, and the fifth heating coil 80. The display unit displays a screen corresponding to the received instructions.

The first operation display unit 20 is disposed in front of the first heating coil unit 60. The second operation display unit 30 is disposed in front of the second heating coil unit 70. The third operation display unit 40 is disposed in front of the fifth heating coil 80 (see FIG. 3).

The first operation display unit 20 to the third operation display unit 40 have approximately the same configuration. Therefore, only the configuration of the first operation display unit 20 will be described. Figures 7A to 7C are diagrams showing the transition of the display screen of the first operation display unit 20.

The first operation display unit 20 has a first operation unit 21, a first display unit 22, and a first area display unit 23. The first operation unit 21 receives at least one instruction, such as selection of the heating state of the first heating coil unit 60, selection of a menu, and adjustment of heat.

The first display unit 22 displays the control contents of the first heating coil unit 60 and the functions of the first operation unit 21. The first area display unit 23 displays the heatable areas of the first heating coil unit 60, i.e., the first heating state to the third heating state described below.

The first operation unit 21 is located in front of the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23.

The first operation unit 21 has an area selection key 25, a time key 26, a reverse key 27, a forward key 28, a start/on/off key 29, and a power button 24.

The area selection key 25 is mainly used to activate a setting mode for the area in the first heating coil unit 60 where the cooking container 2 is placed. That is, the area selection key 25 activates a mode for selecting a heatable area in the first heating coil unit 60, that is, a mode for selecting the first heating state to the third heating state described below.

The time key 26 is used primarily to activate a mode for setting the timer. The reverse key 27 and forward key 28 are used primarily for menu selection and for setting the heat or timer time. The start/off key 29 is used primarily to start and stop heating.

The power button 24 is used to turn the main power of the main unit on and off. The time key 26, reverse key 27, forward key 28, and start/on/off key 29 function as multi-function switches to which functions different from those described above can be assigned depending on the situation. The first operating unit 21 may be a mechanical push button switch or a capacitive touch switch.

The first display unit 22 displays the control contents of the first heating coil unit 60, etc. Alternatively, the first display unit 22 displays characters or figures explaining the function of each key in the area facing the time key 26, reverse key 27, forward key 28, and start/on/off key 29. The first display unit 22 is disposed in front of the first heating coil unit 60 and at the rear of the first operation unit 21.

The first display unit 22 includes, for example, a dot matrix liquid crystal display device. The dot matrix liquid crystal display device is, for example, a full dot liquid crystal display panel having a strip shape extending in the width direction of the top plate 11. The first display unit 22 may also be a segment display liquid crystal display device.

The first area display unit 23 uses light to indicate the areas of the first heating coil unit 60 that can be heated and the areas that are currently being heated (i.e. the areas that operate in the first to third heating states described below). The first area display unit 23 is composed of two frames aligned along the Y axis, and the frame that lights up changes depending on the area that can be heated and the area that is currently being heated. The first area display unit 23 is equipped with an LED lamp located below, and is configured so that light only passes through the frame parts to the top of the top plate 11.

The second operation display unit 30 does not have a power button. The third operation display unit 40 does not have a power button, an area display unit, or an area selection key.

[1-5. Electrical configuration]
Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the induction heating cooker 1 includes a first heating coil unit 60, a second heating coil unit 70, a fifth heating coil 80, a grill coil 100, a grill heater 101, a first inverter circuit 111, and a second inverter circuit 112. Furthermore, the induction heating cooker 1 includes a control unit 102, a first light emitting unit 90A to a seventh light emitting unit 90G, a first operation display unit 20 to a third operation display unit 40, and a grill operation unit 53.

The control unit 102 includes an arithmetic circuit, a storage device, and a drive circuit, and controls the operation of the induction heating cooker 1. The drive circuit drives the fifth heating coil 80, the grill coil 100, and the grill heater 101.

Specifically, the control unit 102 receives instructions from the first operation display unit 20 to the third operation display unit 40 and the grill operation unit 53. In response to these instructions, the control unit 102 controls the first inverter circuit 111, the second inverter circuit 112, the fifth heating coil 80, the grill coil 100, the grill heater 101, and the first light-emitting unit 90A to the seventh light-emitting unit 90G.

The arithmetic circuit executes processing in the control unit 102. The arithmetic circuit includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) that executes a program to perform a specific function. The arithmetic circuit is capable of communicating with a storage device, and executes various types of processing in the control unit 102 by calling up and executing arithmetic programs, etc. stored in the storage device.

The processing in the control unit 102 includes, for example, controlling the local intensity of heating by multiple coil pieces and outputting a control signal to the inverter circuit 110. The arithmetic circuit may perform a specified function using a dedicated hardware circuit, rather than hardware resources and software working together to perform the specified function.

In other words, the arithmetic circuit can be composed of various processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) in addition to a CPU or MPU. Such an arithmetic circuit can be composed of, for example, a signal processing circuit that is a semiconductor integrated circuit.

A storage device is a storage medium capable of storing various types of information. A storage device may be configured using, for example, semiconductor memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), other storage devices, or an appropriate combination of these. A storage device stores programs for executing the various processes performed by the arithmetic circuits as described above.

The control unit 102 receives instructions from the first operation display unit 20 and controls the first inverter circuit 111. The first inverter circuit 111 supplies high-frequency current to the multiple coil pieces of the first heating coil unit 60 to drive the first heating coil unit 60.

Specifically, when the first heating coil unit 60 heats an object to be heated, the first inverter circuit 111 supplies a high-frequency current to at least a portion of the coil pieces of the first heating coil unit 60.

The control unit 102 controls the high-frequency current supplied to each of the coil pieces of the first heating coil unit 60 to set the operation of the induction heating cooker 1 to the first heating state to the third heating state shown in Figs. 6A to 6C, respectively. Figs. 6A to 6C are schematic top views of the induction heating cooker 1 showing the heatable areas in the first heating state to the third heating state, respectively.

Similarly, the control unit 102 receives instructions from the second operation display unit 30 and controls the second inverter circuit 112. The second inverter circuit 112 supplies high-frequency current to the multiple coil pieces of the second heating coil unit 70 to drive the second heating coil unit 70.

Specifically, when the second heating coil unit 70 heats an object to be heated, the second inverter circuit 112 supplies a high-frequency current to at least some of the coil pieces of the second heating coil unit 70. The control unit 102 controls the high-frequency current supplied to each of the coil pieces of the second heating coil unit 70 to set the operation of the induction heating cooker 1 to the first heating state to the third heating state shown in Figures 6A to 6C, respectively.

The control unit 102 switches the operation of the first light-emitting unit 90A to the sixth light-emitting unit 90F depending on the first to third heating states. The control unit 102 receives instructions from the third operation display unit 40 and controls the fifth heating coil 80 and the seventh light-emitting unit 90G. The control unit 102 receives instructions from the grill operation unit 53 and controls the grill coil 100 and the grill heater 101. The control unit 102 controls the display screens of the first operation display unit 20 to the third operation display unit 40.

2. Operation
[2-1. Operation of the heating coil unit]
The first heating coil unit 60 and the second heating coil unit 70 are operable in heating modes of a first heating state to a third heating state shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, respectively.

In the first heating coil unit 60, as shown in FIG. 6A, the first heating state is a state in which the cooking container 2 is heated using only the first heating coil 61. The control unit 102 causes the first inverter circuit 111 to drive only the first heating coil 61.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the second heating state is a state in which the cooking container 2 is heated using only the second heating coil 62. The control unit 102 causes the first inverter circuit 111 to drive only the second heating coil 62.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the third heating state is a state in which the cooking container 2 placed across the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62 is heated using both the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62. The control unit 102 causes the first inverter circuit 111 to drive both the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62.

In the second heating coil unit 70, as shown in FIG. 6A, the first heating state is a state in which the cooking vessel 2 is heated using only the third heating coil 71. The control unit 102 causes the second inverter circuit 112 to drive only the third heating coil 71.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the second heating state is a state in which the cooking container 2 is heated using only the fourth heating coil 72. The control unit 102 causes the second inverter circuit 112 to drive only the fourth heating coil 72.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the third heating state is a state in which the cooking container 2 placed across the third heating coil 71 and the fourth heating coil 72 is heated using both the third heating coil 71 and the fourth heating coil 72. The control unit 102 causes the second inverter circuit 112 to drive both the third heating coil 71 and the fourth heating coil 72.

When the user selects the heating mode in the first heating state in the first heating coil unit 60, the control unit 102 causes the first light-emitting element 90A and the third light-emitting element 90C to blink. At the same time, the control unit 102 turns off the second light-emitting element 90B. When heating begins in the first heating state, the control unit 102 turns on the first light-emitting element 90A and the third light-emitting element 90C.

When the user selects the heating mode in the second heating state in the first heating coil unit 60, the control unit 102 causes the second light-emitting unit 90B and the third light-emitting unit 90C to blink. At the same time, the control unit 102 turns off the first light-emitting unit 90A. When heating begins in the second heating state, the control unit 102 turns on the second light-emitting unit 90B and the third light-emitting unit 90C.

When the user selects the heating mode in the third heating state in the first heating coil unit 60, the control unit 102 causes the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C to blink. When heating begins in the third heating state, the control unit 102 causes the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C to light up.

Similarly, when the user selects the heating mode in the first heating state in the second heating coil unit 70, the control unit 102 causes the fourth light-emitting element 90D and the sixth light-emitting element 90F to blink. At the same time, the control unit 102 turns off the fifth light-emitting element 90E. When heating begins in the first heating state, the control unit 102 turns on the fourth light-emitting element 90D and the sixth light-emitting element 90F.

When the user selects the heating mode in the second heating state in the second heating coil unit 70, the control unit 102 causes the fifth light-emitting element 90E and the sixth light-emitting element 90F to blink. At the same time, the control unit 102 turns off the fourth light-emitting element 90D. When heating begins in the second heating state, the control unit 102 turns on the fifth light-emitting element 90E and the sixth light-emitting element 90F.

When the user selects the heating mode in the third heating state in the second heating coil unit 70, the control unit 102 causes the fourth light-emitting unit 90D to the sixth light-emitting unit 90F to blink. When heating begins in the third heating state, the control unit 102 causes the fourth light-emitting unit 90D to the sixth light-emitting unit 90F to light up.

FIGS. 6A to 6C show a case where the first heating coil unit 60 and the second heating coil unit 70 are in the same heating state. However, the heating state of the first heating coil unit 60 may be different from that of the second heating coil unit 70.

For example, when the first heating coil unit 60 operates in the first heating state shown in FIG. 6A, the second heating coil unit 70 may operate in the second heating state shown in FIG. 6B or the third heating state shown in FIG. 6C.

In this embodiment, when any of the heating modes is selected, the control unit 102 causes the light-emitting unit corresponding to that heating mode among the first light-emitting unit 90A to the sixth light-emitting unit 90F to blink. When heating begins, the control unit 102 causes the light-emitting unit corresponding to that heating mode among the first light-emitting unit 90A to the sixth light-emitting unit 90F to light. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the blinking and lighting may be reversed.

[2-2. Operation of the Operation Display Unit]
7A to 12, the operations of the first operation display unit 20 and the second operation display unit 30 will be described. The operation of the first heating coil unit 60 in the first operation display unit 20 is the same as the operation of the second heating coil unit 70 in the second operation display unit 30. Only the operation of the first operation display unit 20 will be described below.

[2-2-1. Description of operation in the first heating state]
When a user presses the power button 24 of the first operation unit 21 to turn on the main power of the main body, the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23 of the first operation display unit 20 display the initial state as shown in Figure 7A.

That is, the first display unit 22 displays an object indicating a first heating state in area A corresponding to the time key 26. The first display unit 22 displays an object indicating a second heating state in area B corresponding to the reverse key 27. The first display unit 22 displays an object indicating a third heating state in area C corresponding to the forward key 28.

The objects indicating the first to third heating states are schematic illustrations of the first to third light-emitting elements 90A to 90C and the areas of the operating heating coil.

To select one of the three heating modes, the user presses one of the three operation keys that corresponds to one of the three heating states. That is, when the time key 26 is pressed, the heating mode in the first heating state is selected. When the reverse key 27 is pressed, the heating mode in the second heating state is selected. When the forward key 28 is pressed, the heating mode in the third heating state is selected.

When the user presses the time key 26, the control unit 102 causes the first display unit 22 to display the screen shown in FIG. 7B. That is, the first display unit 22 displays a menu that can be implemented in the heating mode in the first heating state. The user can select the desired menu by operating the reverse key 27 and forward key 28.

When the heating mode in the first heating state is selected, the control unit 102 causes the front frame indicating the first heating state in the first area display unit 23 to emit light. On the top plate 11 (see FIG. 1), the control unit 102 causes the first light-emitting unit 90A and the third light-emitting unit 90C to flash in response to the first heating state, as shown in FIG. 6A.

When the screen shown in FIG. 7B is displayed, if the user selects the "Heating" menu and presses the start/on/off key 29, the control unit 102 starts heating and causes the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23 to display the screen shown in FIG. 7C. The user can adjust the heat by operating the reverse key 27 and forward key 28.

The control unit 102 causes the first light-emitting unit 90A and the third light-emitting unit 90C on the top plate 11 (see FIG. 1) to stop blinking and start lighting up. When the screen shown in FIG. 7C is displayed, if the user presses the start/off key 29 again, the control unit 102 stops heating.

After heating is stopped, the control unit 102 determines whether the temperature of the top plate 11 is lower than a predetermined temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the first heating coil 61. If the temperature of the top plate 11 is lower than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 102 turns off the first light-emitting unit 90A and the third light-emitting unit 90C. If not, the control unit 102 turns on or blinks the first light-emitting unit 90A and the third light-emitting unit 90C.

[2-2-2. Description of heating in the second and third heating states]
8A to 8C, the operation of the operation display unit when switching from a state in which the heating mode in the first heating state is selected to a heating mode in the second heating state or the third heating state will be described. Figures 8A to 8C are diagrams showing the transition of the display screen of the operation display unit (first operation display unit 20 as an example) in the induction heating cooker 1.

When the user selects the heating mode in the first heating state in the state shown in Fig. 7A, the control unit 102 causes the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23 to display the menu selection screen shown in Fig. 7B, i.e., Fig. 8A. In this state, to perform the heating mode in the second heating state, the user presses the area selection key 25 or the time key 26 corresponding to "Cancel" shown on the first display unit 22, as shown in Fig. 8A.

When the user presses the area selection key 25 or the time key 26 in the state shown in FIG. 8A, the control unit 102 causes the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23 to display the area selection screen shown in FIG. 8B. In this state, the user presses the reverse key 27 again, which corresponds to the heating mode in the second heating state.

When the user presses the reverse key 27, the control unit 102 causes the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23 to display the screen shown in FIG. 8C. That is, the first display unit 22 displays a menu that can be implemented in the heating mode in the second heating state. The user can select the desired menu by operating the reverse key 27 and the forward key 28.

When the heating mode in the second heating state is selected, the control unit 102 causes the frame on the back side of the first area display unit 23, which indicates the second heating state, to emit light. The control unit 102 causes the second light-emitting unit 90B and the third light-emitting unit 90C, which correspond to the second heating state, on the top plate 11 (see FIG. 1), to flash.

To change from the state shown in FIG. 8C to the heating mode in the third heating state, the user presses the area selection key 25 or the time key 26. The control unit 102 causes the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23 to display the area selection screen shown in FIG. 8B.

Next, in the state shown in FIG. 8B, when the user presses the forward key 28 corresponding to the heating mode in the third heating state, the control unit 102 causes the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23 to display the screen shown in FIG. 8D.

In other words, the first display unit 22 displays a menu that can be implemented in the heating mode in the third heating state. The user can select a desired menu by operating the reverse key 27 and the forward key 28.

When the heating mode in the third heating state is selected, the control unit 102 indicates the third heating state by illuminating both the front and back frames of the first area display unit 23. The control unit 102 causes the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C, which correspond to the third heating state, on the top plate 11 (see FIG. 1), to flash.

After starting heating in the second heating state and stopping heating, the control unit 102 determines whether the temperature of the top plate 11 is lower than a predetermined temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the second heating coil 62. If the temperature of the top plate 11 is lower than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 102 turns off the second light-emitting unit 90B and the third light-emitting unit 90C. If not, the control unit 102 turns on or blinks the second light-emitting unit 90B and the third light-emitting unit 90C.

After heating is started in the third heating state and heating is stopped, the control unit 102 determines whether the temperature of the top plate 11 is lower than a predetermined temperature based on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 120 in the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the first heating coil 61 is higher than a predetermined reference value and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the second heating coil 62 is lower than a predetermined reference value, the control unit 102 turns on or blinks the first light-emitting unit 90A and the third light-emitting unit 90C and turns off the second light-emitting unit 90B.

If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the first heating coil 61 is lower than a predetermined reference value and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the second heating coil 62 is higher than a predetermined reference value, the control unit 102 turns on or blinks the second light-emitting unit 90B and the third light-emitting unit 90C and turns off the first light-emitting unit 90A.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the first heating coil 61 is higher than a predetermined reference value and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the second heating coil 62 is higher than a predetermined reference value, the control unit 102 causes the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C to light up or blink.

The control unit 102 turns off the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the first heating coil 61 is lower than a predetermined reference value and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 in the second heating coil 62 is lower than a predetermined reference value.

[2-2-3. Transition from the first heating state to the second heating state]
9A to 9C, the operation of the operation display unit when the cooking container 2 is moved during heating in the first heating state and heating is performed in the second heating state will be described. Figures 9A to 9C are diagrams showing the transition of the display screen of the operation display unit (first operation display unit 20 as an example) in the induction heating cooker 1.

Fig. 9A shows the first operation display unit 20 when the "Heating" menu is started in the first heating state. In the state shown in Fig. 9A, if the user wishes to move the cooking container 2 to the rear side of the top plate 11 (see Fig. 1), i.e., to change from the first heating state to the second heating state and continue cooking, the user presses the area selection key 25.

When the user presses the area selection key 25 in the state shown in Fig. 9A, the control unit 102 causes the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23 to display the screen shown in Fig. 9B. Next, when the user presses the forward key 28 corresponding to "move to the back" in the state shown in Fig. 9B, the control unit 102 causes the first display unit 22 and the first area display unit 23 to display the screen shown in Fig. 9C.

In other words, the control unit 102 starts heating in the second heating state, using the same menu and heat as in the first heating state. With the change in heating state, the control unit 102 turns off the front frame of the first area display unit 23, which indicates the first heating state, and turns on the back frame of the first area display unit 23, which indicates the second heating state.

In the top plate 11 (see FIG. 1), the control unit 102 stops the illumination of the first light-emitting unit 90A and the third light-emitting unit 90C, which correspond to the first heating state, and then starts the illumination of the second light-emitting unit 90B and the third light-emitting unit 90C, which correspond to the second heating state.

The same applies when changing the heating mode from the second heating state to the first heating state. That is, when the user presses the area selection key 25 and then the forward key 28 during heating in the second heating state, the control unit 102 executes heating in the first heating state, taking over the same menu and heat as during heating in the second heating state.

On the other hand, when changing the heating mode from the first heating state to the third heating state, in the state shown in FIG. 9A, the user must press the start/off key 29 to temporarily stop heating in the first heating state. It is not possible to change the heating mode to the third heating state while maintaining the heating conditions in the first heating state.

Similarly, when changing the heating mode from the second heating state to the third heating state, in the state shown in FIG. 9A, the user must press the start/off key 29 to temporarily stop heating in the second heating state. It is not possible to change the heating mode to the third heating state while maintaining the heating conditions in the second heating state.

When changing the heating mode from the third heating state to the first heating state or the second heating state, the user must press the start/off key 29 to stop heating in the third heating state. The heating mode cannot be changed to the first heating state or the second heating state while maintaining the heating conditions in the third heating state.

[2-2-4. Description when using the fifth heating coil 80]
An operation when the cooking vessel 2 is heated using the fifth heating coil 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of the operation display unit (third operation display unit 40) in the induction heating cooker 1.

When the user presses the power button 24 of the first operation unit 21 to turn on the main power of the main body, the control unit 102 causes the third operation display unit 40 to display the screen shown in FIG. 10. That is, the third display unit 42 displays an object indicating heating by the fifth heating coil 80 in the area corresponding to the time key 46. The object indicating heating by the fifth heating coil 80 is a schematic illustration of the seventh light-emitting unit 90G and the area of the fifth heating coil 80 in operation.

When the user presses the time key 46 in the state shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 102 causes the third display unit 42 to display a menu that can be implemented by the fifth heating coil 80. The user can select the desired menu by operating the reverse key 47 and forward key 48.

When the user presses the time key 46 in the state shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 102 causes the seventh light-emitting unit 90G on the top plate 11 (see FIG. 1) to blink. When the user selects a menu and presses the start/on/off key 49 to start heating, the control unit 102 causes the seventh light-emitting unit 90G to stop blinking and start lighting up.

[2-2-5. Transition when the fifth heating coil 80 is unavailable]
11A and 11B, the third operation display unit 40 will be described in the case where the fifth heating coil 80 cannot be used. FIGs. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a display screen of the operation display unit (third operation display unit 40) in the induction heating cooker 1.

If either or both of the second heating coil 62 of the first heating coil unit 60 and the fourth heating coil 72 of the second heating coil unit 70 are in use before the fifth heating coil 80, the fifth heating coil 80 cannot be used.

In other words, when either the second heating state or the third heating state of the first heating coil unit 60, or the second heating state or the third heating state of the second heating coil unit 70, is in use, the fifth heating coil 80 cannot be used.

If the fifth heating coil 80 cannot be used, the control unit 102 causes the third display unit 42 to display the screen shown in FIG. 11A. That is, the third display unit 42 is displayed in front of an object indicating heating by the fifth heating coil 80, and turns off the inverted triangle mark (see FIG. 10) pointing to the time key 46.

When the user presses the time key 46 in the state shown in FIG. 11A, the control unit 102 causes the third display unit 42 to display the screen shown in FIG. 11B.

[2-2-6. Description when the second heating coil 62 and the fourth heating coil 72 cannot be used]
The first operation display unit 20 and the second operation display unit 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 12 when the second heating coil 62 and the fourth heating coil 72 cannot be used. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen of the operation display unit (the first operation display unit 20 as an example) in the induction heating cooker 1.

When the fifth heating coil 80 is in use, the second heating coil 62 and the fourth heating coil 72 cannot be used. In other words, when the fifth heating coil 80 is in use, the user cannot select the heating mode in the second heating state and the heating mode in the third heating state in the first heating coil unit 60. Similarly, the user cannot select the heating mode in the second heating state and the heating mode in the third heating state in the second heating coil unit 70.

The first operation display unit 20 and the second operation display unit 30 have almost the same configuration. Therefore, only the first operation display unit 20 will be described.

When the fifth heating coil 80 is in use, the control unit 102 causes the first display unit 22 to display the screen shown in FIG. 12. That is, the first display unit 22 is displayed in front of the object indicating the second heating state and turns off the inverted triangle mark pointing to the reverse key 27. The first display unit 22 is also displayed in front of the object indicating the third heating state and turns off the inverted triangle mark pointing to the forward key 28.

In the state shown in FIG. 12, when the user selects the heating mode in the second heating state or the heating mode in the third heating state and presses the reverse key 27 or the forward key 28, the first display unit 22 displays that the heating mode cannot be used.

[3. Composition and Effects]
The configuration and effects of the induction heating cooker 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below. Note that, regarding effects common to the first heating coil unit 60 and the second heating coil unit 70, only the first heating coil unit 60 will be described.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment includes a top plate 11, a first heating coil unit 60, a first inverter circuit 111, a number of light-emitting elements, and a control unit 102.

The first heating coil unit 60 is disposed below the top plate 11 and inductively heats an object to be heated placed on the top plate 11. The first inverter circuit 111 supplies high-frequency current to the first heating coil unit 60 to drive the first heating coil unit 60. The control unit 102 controls the first inverter circuit 111 and the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C.

The first heating coil unit 60 has a first heating coil 61, a second heating coil 62, and a first overlapping portion 63. The second heating coil 62 is disposed adjacent to the first heating coil 61. The first overlapping portion 63 is the portion where the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62 overlap.

The multiple light-emitting elements include a first light-emitting element 90A, a second light-emitting element 90B, and a third light-emitting element 90C, which are arranged in a depth direction (in this embodiment, a direction along the Y-axis) that is a direction from the first heating coil 61 toward the second heating coil 62.

The first light-emitting element 90A is arranged at a distance in the width direction from the center in the width direction (in this embodiment, the direction along the X-axis) perpendicular to the depth direction of the portion of the first heating coil 61 excluding the first overlapping portion 63. The second light-emitting element 90B is arranged at a distance in the width direction from the center in the width direction of the portion of the second heating coil 62 excluding the first overlapping portion 63. The third light-emitting element 90C is arranged at a distance in the width direction from the center in the width direction of the first overlapping portion 63.

In the induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment, the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C can properly indicate the area of the heating coil in operation. Specifically, in the induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment, the light-emitting units are divided into three (the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C) and arranged. This makes it possible to properly indicate the area in the first heating coil unit 60 that can be heated and the area that is being heated.

By arranging the first light-emitting portion 90A to the third light-emitting portion 90C on the outside of the coil piece regardless of the shape of the coil piece, it is possible to simplify the mechanism and arrangement and reduce the number of parts. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first light-emitting portion 90A to the third light-emitting portion 90C are efficiently arranged without any overlapping.

In the induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 102 selectively causes the inverter circuit 110 to execute a first heating state in which only the first heating coil 61 is operated, a second heating state in which only the second heating coil 62 is operated, and a third heating state in which both the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62 are operated.

In the first heating state, the control unit 102 turns on the first light-emitting unit 90A and the third light-emitting unit 90C. In the second heating state, the control unit 102 turns on the second light-emitting unit 90B and the third light-emitting unit 90C. In the third heating state, the control unit 102 turns on the first light-emitting unit 90A, the second light-emitting unit 90B, and the third light-emitting unit 90C.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment allows the user to easily recognize the position where the object to be heated should be placed.

In the induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment, when starting heating in the first heating state in the initial state after the user presses the power button 24 to turn on the main power, the control unit 102 causes the first light-emitting unit 90A and the third light-emitting unit 90C to light up or blink, and turns off the second light-emitting unit 90B. When the user presses the power button 24 again to turn off the main power, the control unit 102 turns off the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment allows the user to easily recognize the position where the object to be heated should be placed.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment further includes a plurality of temperature sensors 120 arranged on the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62, respectively. When the control unit 102 determines, based on the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors 120, that the temperature of the top plate 11 above the first heating coil 61 is higher than a predetermined temperature and the temperature of the top plate 11 above the second heating coil 62 is lower than a predetermined temperature, while the first heating coil unit 60 is in a non-heating state, the control unit 102 turns on or blinks the first light-emitting unit 90A and the third light-emitting unit 90C corresponding to the high temperature region, and turns off the second light-emitting unit 90B.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment allows the user to recognize the high temperature area of the top plate 11.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment further includes a plurality of temperature sensors 120 arranged in the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62, respectively.

When the first heating coil unit 60 is in a non-heating state, if the control unit 102 determines that the temperature of the top plate 11 is not higher than a predetermined temperature based on the temperatures detected by the multiple temperature sensors 120, and does not start heating by the first heating coil unit 60, it turns off the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment can let the user know that the top plate 11 is not hot when the first heating coil unit 60 is in a non-heating state.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment further includes a second heating coil unit 70, a fifth heating coil 80, and another light-emitting element (seventh light-emitting element 90G).

The second heating coil unit 70 is positioned below the top plate 11 and adjacent to the first heating coil unit 60 in the width direction.

The second heating coil unit 70 has a third heating coil 71, a fourth heating coil 72, and a second overlapping portion 73. The fourth heating coil 72 is disposed adjacent to the third heating coil 71 in the depth direction. The second overlapping portion 73 is the portion where the third heating coil 71 and the fourth heating coil 72 overlap.

The fifth heating coil 80 and the seventh light-emitting element 90G are disposed between the second heating coil 62 and the fourth heating coil 72. The control unit 102 turns off the seventh light-emitting element 90G when at least one of the second heating coil 62 and the fourth heating coil 72 is operating or starts operating.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment can reduce interference noise when multiple cooking containers 2 are heated simultaneously, and can also prevent heating from starting when multiple cooking containers 2 are close to each other.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment further includes a second heating coil unit 70, a fifth heating coil 80, and a seventh light-emitting unit 90G.

The second heating coil unit 70 is positioned below the top plate 11 and adjacent to the first heating coil unit 60 in the width direction.

The second heating coil unit 70 has a third heating coil 71, a fourth heating coil 72, and a second overlapping portion 73. The fourth heating coil 72 is disposed adjacent to the third heating coil 71 in the depth direction. The second overlapping portion 73 is the portion where the third heating coil 71 and the fourth heating coil 72 overlap.

The fifth heating coil 80 and the seventh light-emitting element 90G are disposed between the second heating coil 62 and the fourth heating coil 72. The control unit 102 does not start the operation of the fifth heating coil 80 when at least one of the second heating coil 62 and the fourth heating coil 72 is operating or starts operating.

The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment can reduce interference noise when multiple cooking containers 2 are heated simultaneously, and can also prevent heating from starting when multiple cooking containers 2 are close to each other.

When changing the operation of the first heating coil unit 60 from the first heating state, the second heating state, or the third heating state to another state, the control unit 102 switches which light-emitting unit to turn on among the first light-emitting unit 90A, the second light-emitting unit 90B, and the third light-emitting unit 90C.

In the induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment, the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C are efficiently arranged and can properly indicate the area of the heating coil that is in operation.

[4. Other embodiments]
(1) Arrangement of Heating Coils In this embodiment, the first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62 are arranged adjacent to each other along the Y axis. However, for example, these heating coils may be arranged adjacent to each other along the X axis. In that case, the first light-emitting unit 90A to the third light-emitting unit 90C are also arranged parallel to the X axis.

(2) Aspects of the Heating Coil In this embodiment, the first heating coil 61 has a substantially circular shape including six sector-shaped coil pieces of substantially the same size and shape. The second heating coil 62 has a substantially circular shape including six sector-shaped coil pieces of substantially the same size and shape. The first heating coil 61 and the second heating coil 62 have an overlapping portion. However, the heating coil of the present disclosure is not limited to this form.

For example, the first heating coil unit may include three elliptical heating coils, each having a major axis along the X axis and a minor axis along the Y axis, arranged adjacent to each other along the Y axis. In this case, the front heating coil and the central heating coil correspond to the first heating coil 61, and the back heating coil and the central heating coil correspond to the second heating coil 62. In other words, the central heating coil corresponds to the first overlapping portion 63.

(3) Other Aspects of the Light-Emitting Section In this embodiment, each of the first light-emitting section 90A to the seventh light-emitting section 90G has a linear shape. However, each of the first light-emitting section 90A to the seventh light-emitting section 90G may have a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a linear dotted line, for example. The plurality of light-emitting elements included in each of the first light-emitting section 90A to the seventh light-emitting section 90G may be arranged in a wavy line rather than a dotted line, and may be arranged in a curved line rather than a straight line.

(4) Method of selecting a heating mode in the first heating state to the third heating state In this embodiment, the user selects one of the heating modes in the first heating state to the third heating state, and presses one of the three operation keys corresponding to the selected heating mode. This allows the user to select one of the heating modes in the first heating state to the third heating state. However, for example, the heating mode may be selected by the number of times a selection key is pressed.

As described above, the present disclosure is applicable to an induction heating cooker equipped with a heating coil unit having two heating coils arranged so that some of them overlap.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 induction heating cooker 2 cooking container 10 top unit 11 top plate 20 first operation display section 21 first operation section 22 first display section 23 first area display section 24 power button 25 area selection key 26, 46 time key 27, 47 reverse key 28, 48 forward key 29, 49 start/on/off key 30 second operation display section 40 third operation display section 42 third display section 50 main unit 51 housing 52 grill chamber 53 grill operation section 60 first heating coil unit 61 first heating coil 62 second heating coil 63 first overlapping section 70 second heating coil unit 71 third heating coil 72 fourth heating coil 73 second overlapping section 80 fifth heating coil 90A first light-emitting section (multiple light-emitting sections)
90B Second light-emitting unit (plural light-emitting units)
90C Third light-emitting unit (plural light-emitting units)
90D Fourth light-emitting unit (plural light-emitting units)
90E Fifth light-emitting unit (plural light-emitting units)
90F 6th light-emitting unit (plurality of light-emitting units)
90G 7th light-emitting part (another light-emitting part)
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Grill coil 101 Grill heater 102 Control unit 110 Inverter circuit 111 First inverter circuit 112 Second inverter circuit 120 Temperature sensor

Claims (8)

A top plate and
A first heating coil unit is disposed below the top plate and configured to inductively heat a heating object placed on the top plate;
an inverter circuit configured to supply a high frequency current to the first heating coil unit;
A plurality of light emitting units;
a control unit configured to control the inverter circuit and the plurality of light-emitting units,
The first heating coil unit includes a first heating coil, a second heating coil disposed adjacent to the first heating coil, and an overlapping portion where the first heating coil and the second heating coil overlap,
having
The plurality of light-emitting units include a first light-emitting unit, a second light-emitting unit, and a third light-emitting unit that are arranged in a depth direction from the first heating coil toward the second heating coil,
The first light-emitting unit is disposed apart in the width direction from a center in the width direction perpendicular to the depth direction of a portion of the first heating coil excluding the overlapping portion,
The second light-emitting portion is disposed apart in the width direction from a center in the width direction of a portion of the second heating coil excluding the overlapping portion,
The third light-emitting portion is disposed spaced apart in the width direction from a center in the width direction of the overlapping portion. The control unit controls the inverter circuit to
a first heating state in which only the first heating coil is operated;
a second heating state in which only the second heating coil is operated;
a third heating state in which both the first heating coil and the second heating coil are operated;
Selectively execute
The control unit is
In the first heating state, the first light-emitting unit and the third light-emitting unit are turned on,
In the second heating state, the second light-emitting unit and the third light-emitting unit are turned on,
The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 , wherein in the third heating state, the first light-emitting unit, the second light-emitting unit, and the third light-emitting unit are turned on. The control unit is
In an initial state after a main power source is turned on, when heating is started in the first heating state, the first light-emitting unit and the third light-emitting unit are turned on or blink, and the second light-emitting unit is turned off;
The induction heating cooker according to claim 2 , configured to turn off the light emitting units when the main power supply is turned off. Further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors respectively disposed in the first heating coil and the second heating coil,
The control unit is
When the first heating coil unit is in a non-heated state, it is determined based on the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors that the temperature of the top plate above the first heating coil is higher than a predetermined temperature and the temperature of the top plate above the second heating coil is lower than a predetermined temperature.
The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 , configured to light up or blink the first light-emitting unit and the third light-emitting unit, and to turn off the second light-emitting unit. Further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors respectively disposed in the first heating coil and the second heating coil,
The control unit is
When the first heating coil unit is in a non-heating state, if it is determined that the temperature of the top plate is not higher than a predetermined temperature based on the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors,
The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 , wherein the induction heating cooker is configured to turn off the light-emitting elements when heating by the first heating coil unit is not started. Further comprising a second heating coil unit, a fifth heating coil, and another light emitting unit,
the second heating coil unit is disposed below the top plate and adjacent to the first heating coil unit in the width direction;
the second heating coil unit has a third heating coil and a fourth heating coil arranged adjacent to the third heating coil in the depth direction,
The fifth heating coil and the other light emitting unit are disposed between the second heating coil and the fourth heating coil,
The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to turn off the other light-emitting unit when at least one of the second heating coil and the fourth heating coil is in operation or starts to operate. Further comprising a second heating coil unit, a fifth heating coil, and another light emitting unit,
the second heating coil unit is disposed below the top plate and adjacent to the first heating coil unit in the width direction;
The second heating coil unit has a third heating coil and a fourth heating coil arranged adjacent to the third heating coil in the depth direction,
The fifth heating coil and the other light emitting unit are disposed between the second heating coil and the fourth heating coil,
The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured not to start operation of the fifth heating coil when at least one of the second heating coil and the fourth heating coil is in operation or starts to operate. The induction heating cooker according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to switch which of the plurality of light-emitting units is turned on when the operation of the first heating coil unit is changed from the first heating state, the second heating state, or the third heating state to another state.

Images