Heating cooker

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a heating cooker, the degree of freedom of the layout of the structure related to the display of the operation button is high, the color tone and brightness of the operation button displayed on the top plate are not easy to change. The heating cooker of the present disclosure has a top plate having an operation area receiving a touch operation, a heated object being placed on the top plate; a light source being disposed below the top plate opposite to the operation area, emitting light downward; a reflection component being disposed below the top plate opposite to the operation area, reflecting the light of the light source upward; and a transmission part being disposed between the top plate and the light source opposite to the operation area, transmitting the reflected light from the reflection component to the operation area in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to heating cookers. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heating cooker that displays operation buttons on the top plate. The heating cooker of Patent Document 1 has a conductive detection part formed on the back of the operation area of ​​the top plate by a pattern of cutout operation buttons, and uses a planar light-emitting element of transparent resin to illuminate the conductive detection part, thereby displaying the operation buttons in the operation area of ​​the top plate.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5148606 Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a heating cooker with a high degree of freedom in the layout of the structure related to the display of operation buttons, and the color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top panel are not easily changed.

[0007] The heating cooker disclosed herein includes: a top plate having an operating area for receiving touch operations, on which a heated object is placed; a light source disposed below the top plate opposite to the operating area, emitting light downwards; a reflective member disposed below the top plate opposite to the operating area, reflecting the light from the light source upwards; and a transmission portion disposed between the top plate and the light source opposite to the operating area, transmitting reflected light from the reflective member in a shape corresponding to the pattern of an operating button to the operating area.

[0008] According to this disclosure, a heating cooker can be provided with a high degree of freedom in the layout of the structure related to the display of operation buttons, and the color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top panel are not easily changed. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the operating area of ​​Implementation Method 1.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of line AA in implementation method 1.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the detection substrate of Embodiment 1 as seen from the lower surface.

[0013] Figure 5This is a longitudinal sectional view of line AA in implementation method 1.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control system of the heating cooker in Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view along line AA of embodiment 2.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a plan view of the detection substrate of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the lower surface.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the LED configuration in Embodiment 2.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional view along line AA of embodiment 2.

[0019] Label Explanation

[0020] 1 Heating Cooker

[0021] 2 shells

[0022] 3 top plates

[0023] 3A, 8A, 14A upper surface

[0024] 3B, 8B, 14B lower surface

[0025] 4. 4A~4C heating coil

[0026] 6. Operating areas 6A~6C

[0027] 7. Operation buttons 7A~7D

[0028] 8, 14 Test substrate

[0029] 9, 9A~9D, 15, 15A~15H LED (light source)

[0030] 10, 10A~10D, 16, 16A~16D reflective components

[0031] 11 Control Devices

[0032] 12 FFC

[0033] Transmitting sections 13, 13A~13D, 83, 83A~83D

[0034] Electrodes 81, 81A~81D, 141, 141A~141D

[0035] 82, 142 connectors

[0036] 100 processor

[0037] 101, 161 diffuse reflective surfaces

[0038] 102, 162 edge

[0039] 110 memory

[0040] 111 Control Program

[0041] 143, 143A~143D Through Holes

[0042] Center C

[0043] L Imaginary straight line

[0044] T cooking objects

[0045] TY cooking container (the object being heated) Detailed Implementation

[0046] (Insights, etc., that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0047] When the inventor conceived of this disclosure, there was already a technology, as in Patent Document 1, that displayed operation buttons on the top plate using a light guide plate made of transparent resin.

[0048] However, since the light guide plate is a component that makes the light from a point source emit light in a planar manner, it is large in size. Therefore, in conventional heating cookers, the inventors have discovered the following problem: a certain amount of space is required to arrange the light guide plate, and the design of the structure related to the display of the operation buttons is constrained. In order to solve this problem, the subject of this disclosure is formed.

[0049] Furthermore, the transparent resin light guide plate may discolor due to environmental factors, aging, etc. Therefore, in conventional heating cookers, the inventors discovered the following problem: the color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top panel may change. To solve this problem, the subject of this disclosure is formed.

[0050] Therefore, this disclosure provides a heating cooker with a high degree of freedom in the layout of the structure related to the display of operation buttons, and whose color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top plate are not easily changed.

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes unnecessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of matters that are already known may be omitted, or descriptions of substantially the same structures may be repeated.

[0052] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0053] (Implementation Method 1)

[0054] [1-1. Structure]

[0055] Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] exist Figures 1-5 The diagram illustrates the X, Y, and Z axes. These axes are orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis represents the vertical direction, corresponding to the height of the heating cooker 1 in the set state. The X-axis represents the horizontal direction of the heating cooker 1 in the set state. The Y-axis represents the front-back direction of the heating cooker 1 in the set state. The positive direction of the X-axis represents the rightward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis represents the forward direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis represents the upward direction.

[0057] [1-1-1. Structure of a Heating Cooker]

[0058] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the heating cooker 1.

[0059] The heating cooker 1 is a cooker that heats the cooking container TY that holds the object being cooked, T.

[0060] The cooking container TY is an example of "the object being heated".

[0061] The heating cooker 1 includes a housing 2 and a top plate 3. The heating cooker 1 in this embodiment is a so-called built-in cooker, with the housing 2 embedded in an opening in the kitchen countertop and the top plate 3 placed on the opening.

[0062] The housing 2 is located below the top plate 3 and heats the cooking container TY placed on the top plate 3. In this embodiment, three heating coils 4 are provided inside the housing 2. The heating coils 4 are respectively arranged below the top plate 3 and heat the opposite portions of the cooking container TY placed on the top plate 3.

[0063] The top plate 3 is a plate-shaped component that allows light to pass through, for example, made of heat-resistant glass.

[0064] Three display units 5, namely 5A, 5B, and 5C, are provided in front of the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. Each display unit 5 is composed of a display screen, which displays the heating status of the heating coil 4, etc.

[0065] In detail, the display unit 5A is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4A to display the heating status of the heating coil 4A, etc.

[0066] Furthermore, the display unit 5B is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4B, displaying the heating status of the heating coil 4B, etc.

[0067] Furthermore, the display unit 5C is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4C, displaying the heating status of the heating coil 4C, etc.

[0068] Three operation areas 6, 6A, 6B, and 6C, are provided in front of the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. These operation areas 6 are for receiving touch operations, from the user's input of the heating cooker 1's commands. Furthermore, the operation of the heating cooker 1 includes starting and stopping the heating of the heating coil 4, setting the heat level of the heating coil 4, and turning the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off.

[0069] In detail, the operating area 6A is set up corresponding to the heating coil 4A, and handles operations related to the heating coil 4A, such as turning the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off.

[0070] Furthermore, the operating area 6B is set in correspondence with the heating coil 4B, and handles operations related to the heating coil 4B, such as turning the main power supply of the heating cooker 1 on and off.

[0071] Furthermore, the operating area 6C is set up corresponding to the heating coil 4C, and handles operations related to the heating coil 4C, such as turning the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a diagram representing operation area 6.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the operation area 6 is a long, narrow area, with its long side corresponding to the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1. The operation area 6 can display four touch-operated operation buttons 7. Multiple operation buttons 7 can be displayed simultaneously in the operation area 6, arranged in a left-right direction. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 The example shown illustrates a situation where operation area 6 is simultaneously displaying operation buttons 7A to 7D.

[0074] [1-1-2. Structure related to the display of operation buttons]

[0075] Next, refer to Figures 3-5 The structure related to the display of operation button 7 will be explained. Additionally, Figure 3 and Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view relating to operating area 6A is shown, but the heating cooker 1 also has functionality with respect to operating areas 6B and 6C. Figures 3-5 The structure of the explanation.

[0076] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line AA. Additionally... Figure 1 Line AA is a line that extends approximately from the center of the short side of operating area 6A along the long side of operating area 6A. Figure 4This is a plan view of the detection substrate 8 as observed from the lower surface 8B.

[0077] The heating cooker 1 has a detection substrate 8, four LEDs 9 (LEDs 9A to 9D) and four reflective components 10 (LEDs 10A to 10D) for each operating area 6.

[0078] LED9 is an example of a "light source".

[0079] The detection substrate 8 is a long, strip-shaped substrate that detects touch operations on the operation area 6 and provides light shielding. The detection substrate 8 is disposed opposite to the operation area 6 below the top plate 3. More specifically, the detection substrate 8 is configured such that its upper surface 8A contacts the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3. Furthermore, the detection substrate 8 is positioned along its long side in the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1. Alternatively, the upper surface 8A of the detection substrate 8 may not contact the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3.

[0080] On the upper surface 8A of the detection substrate 8, four electrodes 81, namely 81A, 81B, 81C, and 81D, are arranged along the long side. Electrodes 81 are capacitive touch sensors connected to connectors 82 on the detection substrate 8. An FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) 12, with one end connected to a control device 11, is connected to the connector 82. Thus, the signals from each electrode 81 are output to the control device 11 via the FFC 12.

[0081] On the detection substrate 8, four transmission portions 83, 83A to 83D, are arranged in a row along the long side. Each transmission portion 83 is a through-hole that penetrates both the detection substrate 8 and the electrode 81, and when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 8, it has a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7. Furthermore, when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 8, the transmission portions 83 are formed within the surface of the electrode 81.

[0082] The transmission sections 83A to 83D are described in detail.

[0083] The transmissive portion 83A is a through hole with a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7A, and is formed in the plane of the electrode 81A when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 8.

[0084] Furthermore, the transmissive portion 83B is a through hole with a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7B, and is formed in the plane of the electrode 81B when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 8.

[0085] Furthermore, the transmissive portion 83C is a through hole with a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7C, and is formed in the plane of the electrode 81C when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 8.

[0086] Furthermore, the transmissive portion 83D is a through hole with a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7D, and is formed in the plane of the electrode 81D when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 8.

[0087] LEDs 9 are respectively disposed opposite to the operating area 6 below the top plate 3. More specifically, LEDs 9 are respectively disposed on the lower surface 8B of the detection substrate 8. LEDs 9 emit light downwards towards the detection substrate 8.

[0088] Detailed descriptions of LEDs 9A to 9D are provided below: LED 9A is disposed on the lower surface 8B of the detection substrate 8, opposite to the transmissive portion 83A. LED 9B is disposed on the lower surface 8B of the detection substrate 8, opposite to the transmissive portion 83B. LED 9C is disposed on the lower surface 8B of the detection substrate 8, opposite to the transmissive portion 83C. LED 9D is disposed on the lower surface 8B of the detection substrate 8, opposite to the transmissive portion 83D.

[0089] The reflective components 10 are each having a diffuse reflective surface 101 formed by a curved recess. The reflective components 10 are respectively disposed below the top plate 3, opposite to the operating area 6. The diffuse reflective surface 101 of each reflective component 10 faces the transmission section 83, and the edge 102 of the diffuse reflective surface 101 contacts the lower surface 8B of the detection substrate 8. The diffuse reflective surface 101 is in the recessed direction from the surface (in... Figure 2 When observed from the top to the bottom (the center is the size of the transmissive portion 83, which is the size of the entire portion 83 that is contained within the surface), the reflective components 10 are disposed on the lower surface 8B of the detection substrate 8 in such a way that the edge 102 of the diffuse reflective surface 101 does not contact the transmissive portion 83.

[0090] Regarding each reflective component 10, the relationship between the diffuse reflective surface 101, the transmissive part 83, and the LED 9 will be explained.

[0091] The diffuse reflective surface 101 of the reflective component 10A faces the transmissive portion 83A and the LED 9A. Viewed from above, the transmissive portion 83A and the LED 9A are contained within the diffuse reflective surface 101 of the reflective component 10A.

[0092] Furthermore, the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflective component 10B is opposite to the transmissive portion 83B and the LED 9B. Viewed from above, the transmissive portion 83B and the LED 9B are contained within the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflective component 10B.

[0093] Furthermore, the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflective component 10C is opposite to the transmissive portion 83C and the LED 9C. Viewed from above, the transmissive portion 83C and the LED 9C are contained within the surface of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflective component 10C.

[0094] Furthermore, the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflective component 10D is opposite to the transmissive portion 83D and the LED 9D. Viewed from above, the transmissive portion 83D and the LED 9D are contained within the surface of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflective component 10D.

[0095] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The longitudinal section view along line AA shows the light emitted by LED9.

[0096] like Figure 5 As shown, when LED9 emits light, the reflective component 10 reflects the light from LED9 upwards. A light-shielding detection substrate 8 is provided between the top plate 3 and LED9 in the vertical direction. Therefore, reflected light traveling from the reflective component 10 towards the transmission portion 83 passes through the detection substrate 8 and is transmitted to the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3, but reflected light traveling from the reflective component 10 towards portions other than the transmission portion 83 is blocked by the detection substrate 8 and does not transmit to the top plate 3. Thus, a light pattern corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7 is displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3. Therefore, by illuminating LED9, the heating cooker 1 can display the operation button 7 on the top plate 3. Thus, by illuminating LED9A, the heating cooker 1 can display the operation button 7A in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3; by illuminating LED9B, the operation button 7B is displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3; by illuminating LED9C, the operation button 7C is displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3; and by illuminating LED9D, the operation button 7D is displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3.

[0097] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control system of the heating cooker 1.

[0098] The heating cooker 1 is equipped with a control device 11.

[0099] The control device 11 includes a processor 100 (CPU, Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Microprocessor Unit), a memory 110, and interface circuits for connecting to other devices and sensors. The control device 11 is connected to each heating coil 4A-4C, each LED 9A-9D, and each electrode 81A-81D. Additionally, the control device 11 can also be connected to... Figure 6 Equipment other than those shown.

[0100] Memory 110 is a storage device for storing programs and data. Memory 110 stores control program 111 and data processed by other processors 100. Memory 110 has non-volatile storage areas. However, memory 110 may also have volatile storage areas, constituting the working area of ​​processor 100. Memory 110 may be composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0101] Control program 111 is a program executed by processor 100.

[0102] [1-2. Actions]

[0103] Next, the operation of the control device 11 will be explained.

[0104] The control device 11 reads and executes the control program 111 through the processor 100 to control the power supply to the heating coil 4, thereby starting the heating of the cooking container TY, stopping the heating of the cooking container TY, or controlling the heat of the heating coil 4.

[0105] Furthermore, the control device 11 reads and executes the control program 111 through the processor 100, causing the LEDs 9 to light up and turn off. The control device 11 can independently light up and turn off each LED 9. Therefore, the control device 11 can display only the operable operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3 according to the operation sequence of the operation buttons 7, the heating status of the heating coil 4, etc.

[0106] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0107] As described above, the heating cooker 1 includes a top plate 3 with an operation area 6 for receiving touch operations, on which a cooking container TY is placed. The heating cooker 1 also includes an LED 9, which is disposed below the top plate 3 opposite to the operation area 6 and emits light downwards. Furthermore, the heating cooker 1 includes a reflective member 10, which is disposed below the top plate 3 opposite to the operation area 6, reflecting the light from the LED 9 upwards. The heating cooker 1 also includes a transmissive portion 83, which is disposed between the top plate 3 and the LED 9 opposite to the operation area 6, allowing reflected light from the reflective member 10 to be transmitted into the operation area 6 in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7.

[0108] Therefore, the heating cooker 1 does not use a transparent resin light guide plate, but displays the operation button 7 on the top plate 3 through reflected light from the reflective component 10. Thus, it is not necessary to ensure space for the light guide plate, reducing constraints on the design of the structure related to the display of the operation button 7. Furthermore, in the heating cooker 1, compared to a structure using a transparent resin light guide plate, the hue and brightness of the operation button 7 displayed on the top plate 3 are less prone to change. Therefore, the heating cooker 1 can provide a high degree of freedom in the layout of the structure related to the display of the operation button 7, and the hue and brightness of the operation button 7 displayed on the top plate 3 are less prone to change.

[0109] Furthermore, in structures using transparent resin light guide plates, the number of components is large because it is necessary to prevent the light emission of one light guide plate from causing other light guide plates to emit light, or because the light guide plate is composed of multiple components. However, the heating cooker 1 of this disclosure does not use a transparent resin light guide plate. Therefore, a heating cooker 1 with fewer components can be provided, and the cost of the heating cooker 1 can be reduced. Moreover, because the number of components is small, the assembly time of the heating cooker 1 can be reduced.

[0110] The heating cooker 1 includes a detection substrate 8 for detecting touch operations on the operation area 6. The detection substrate 8 is a light-shielding substrate and is disposed opposite the operation area 6 between the top plate 3 and the LED 9. A through hole with a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7 is formed on the detection substrate 8 to serve as a transmission part 83.

[0111] Therefore, the operation button 7 can be effectively displayed on the top plate 3 by utilizing the detection substrate 8 that detects touch operations on the operation area 6. Thus, there is no need to provide dedicated components or materials for displaying the pattern of the operation button 7. Therefore, a heating cooker 1 can be provided in a way that minimizes changes in the color and brightness of the operation button 7 displayed on the top plate 3 while suppressing an increase in the number of components.

[0112] The reflective component 10 has a diffuse reflective surface 101 that diffuses the light from the LED 9.

[0113] Therefore, deviations in the direction of light travel reflected from the reflective component 10 can be suppressed, thus suppressing uneven color or brightness on the operation buttons 7 displayed on the top panel 3.

[0114] (Implementation Method 2)

[0115] Next, implementation method 2 will be described.

[0116] In the description of Embodiment 2, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained. Furthermore, in the description of Embodiment 2, for components that are the same as the components of the heating cooker 1 in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be used and their detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0117] [2-1. Structure]

[0118] Compared with Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 has a different structure related to the display of the operation button 7.

[0119] Next, refer to Figures 7-10 The structure related to the display of operation button 7 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Additionally, Figure 7 and Figure 10 A longitudinal sectional view relating to operating area 6A is shown, but the heating cooker 1 also has views relating to operating areas 6B and 6C. Figures 7-10 The structure shown.

[0120] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A longitudinal section view along line AA. Additionally... Figure 7 The XYZ axes shown are... Figure 1 The three axes are the same.

[0121] In Embodiment 2, a pattern of the operation button 7 is printed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 opposite to the operation area 6 using a light-transmitting material, while a light-shielding material is printed on the areas other than the pattern of the operation button 7. Thus, in Embodiment 2, four transmissive portions 13 are formed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 opposite to the operation area 6. Like the transmissive portions 83, the transmissive portions 13 are shaped to transmit reflected light from the reflective member 16 to the top plate 3.

[0122] Transmitting portions 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are arranged in a left-right direction on the lower surface 3B. Transmitting portion 13A transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of operation button 7A. Transmitting portion 13B transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of operation button 7B. Transmitting portion 13C transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of operation button 7C. Transmitting portion 13D transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of operation button 7D.

[0123] In Embodiment 2, the heating cooker 1 has a detection substrate 14, eight LEDs 15 (LEDs 15A to 15H), and four reflective components 16 (reflective components 16A to 16D) for each operating area 6.

[0124] LED15 is an example of a "light source".

[0125] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The detection substrate 14 will be described. Figure 8 This is a plan view of the detection substrate 14 as seen from the lower surface 14B. Additionally, Figure 8 The three axes XYZ shown are... Figure 1 The three axes are the same.

[0126] The detection substrate 14 is a strip-shaped substrate with light-shielding properties, used to detect touch operations on the operation area 6. The detection substrate 14 is disposed opposite to the operation area 6 below the top plate 3. More specifically, the detection substrate 14 is disposed such that its upper surface 14A contacts the material printed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3. Furthermore, the long side of the detection substrate 14 is aligned with the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1.

[0127] On the upper surface 14A of the detection substrate 14, four electrodes 141, namely 141A, 141B, 141C, and 141D, are arranged along the long side. Electrodes 141 are capacitive touch sensors and are connected to connectors 142 on the detection substrate 14. An FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) 12, with one end connected to a control device 11, is connected to the connector 142. Thus, the signals from each electrode 141 are output to the control device 11 via the FFC 12.

[0128] On the detection substrate 14, through holes 143A to 143D are arranged along the long side direction, penetrating the detection substrate 14 and the electrode 141. Hereinafter, without distinguishing between through holes 143A to 143D, they will be referred to as "through holes 143" by the reference numeral "143". When viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 14, each through hole 143 is circular in shape. The through holes 143 are formed in the plane of the electrode 141, and are the size that converges the entire transmissive portion 13 inside when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 14.

[0129] The through holes 143A to 143D are described in detail. Viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 14, through hole 143A is formed within the surface of electrode 141A. Furthermore, viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 14, through hole 143B is formed within the surface of electrode 141B. Furthermore, viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 14, through hole 143C is formed within the surface of electrode 141C. Furthermore, viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 14, through hole 143D is formed within the surface of electrode 141D.

[0130] return Figure 7As explained, two LEDs 15 are provided on the lower surface 14B of the detection substrate 14 for each through hole 143. Specifically, LEDs 15A and 15B are provided in through hole 143A, LEDs 15C and 15D are provided in through hole 143B, LEDs 15E and 15F are provided in through hole 143C, and LEDs 15G and 15H are provided in through hole 143D. In addition, each LED 15 emits light towards the lower part of the detection substrate 14.

[0131] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of LED 15 relative to a through hole 143.

[0132] Figure 9 This indicates the through-hole 143 as viewed from the lower surface 14B side of the detection substrate 14. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the two LEDs 15 are symmetrically arranged with reference to an imaginary straight line L passing through the center C of the through hole 143. That is, the two LEDs 15 are symmetrically arranged about the imaginary straight line L.

[0133] The reflective components 16 are each having a diffuse reflective surface 161 formed by a curved recess. The reflective components 16 are respectively disposed below the top plate 3, opposite to the operating area 6. The diffuse reflective surface 161 of each reflective component 16 faces the transmission section 13, and the edge 162 of the diffuse reflective surface 161 contacts the lower surface 14B of the detection substrate 14. The diffuse reflective surface 161 is in the recessed direction from the surface (in... Figure 7 When observed from the top to the bottom (in the vertical direction), the entire through-hole 143 is contained within the surface. Therefore, the reflective components 16 are respectively configured such that the edge 162 of the diffuse reflective surface 161 contacts the lower surface 14B of the detection substrate 14.

[0134] Regarding each reflective component 16, the relationship between the diffuse reflective surface 161, the transmissive part 13, and the LED 15 will be explained.

[0135] The diffuse reflective surface 161 of the reflective component 16A is opposite to the through hole 143A and the LEDs 15A and 15B. In the vertical direction, the through hole 143A and the LEDs 15A and 15B are included in the surface of the diffuse reflective surface 161.

[0136] Furthermore, the diffuse reflective surface 161 of the reflective component 16B is opposite to the through hole 143B and the LEDs 15C and 15D. In the vertical direction, the through hole 143B and the LEDs 15C and 15D are included in the surface of the diffuse reflective surface 161.

[0137] Furthermore, the diffuse reflective surface 161 of the reflective component 16C is opposite to the through hole 143C and the LEDs 15E and 15F. In the vertical direction, the through hole 143C and the LEDs 15E and 15F are included in the surface of the diffuse reflective surface 161.

[0138] Furthermore, the diffuse reflective surface 161 of the reflective component 16D is opposite to the through hole 143D and the LEDs 15G and 15H. In the vertical direction, the through hole 143D and the LEDs 15G and 15H are included in the surface of the diffuse reflective surface 161.

[0139] Figure 10 It is along Figure 1 The longitudinal sectional view along line AA shows the illumination of LED15. Additionally, Figure 10 The three axes XYZ shown are... Figure 1 The three axes are the same.

[0140] like Figure 10 As shown, when LED 15 illuminates light, reflective component 16 reflects the light from LED 15 upwards. The reflected light from reflective component 16 passes through the through-hole 143 of detection substrate 14 and propagates towards the lower surface 3B of top plate 3. The reflected light towards the lower surface 3B of top plate 3 is blocked by a light-shielding material when its destination is a light-transmitting material, and proceeds to the upper surface 3A of top plate 3 when its destination is a light-transmitting material. Thus, a light shape corresponding to the pattern of operation button 7 is displayed in the operation area 6 of top plate 3. Therefore, by illuminating LED 15, the heating cooker 1 can display operation button 7 on top plate 3. Therefore, the heating cooker 1 can display operation button 7A on the top plate 3 by illuminating LEDs 15A and 15B, operation button 7B on the top plate 3 by illuminating LEDs 15C and 15D, operation button 7C on the top plate 3 by illuminating LEDs 15E and 15F, and operation button 7D on the top plate 3 by illuminating LEDs 15G and 15H.

[0141] Next, quote Figure 6 The structure of the control system for the heating cooker 1 in Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0142] LEDs 15A to 15H are connected to the control device 11 to replace LEDs 9A to 9D. Electrodes 141A to 141D are also connected to the control device 11 to replace electrodes 81A to 81D.

[0143] [2-2. Action]

[0144] Next, the operation of the control device 11 will be explained.

[0145] The control device 11 reads and executes the control program 111 through the processor 100, causing the LEDs 15 to light up and turn off. The control device 11 can independently light up and turn off each LED 15. Therefore, the control device 11 can display only the operable operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3 according to the operation sequence of the operation buttons 7, the heating status of the heating coil 4, etc.

[0146] [2-3. Effects, etc.]

[0147] As explained above, the transmissive portion 13 is formed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 by printing light-shielding and light-transmitting materials.

[0148] Therefore, the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 can be effectively utilized to display the operation button 7 on the top plate 3.

[0149] The heating cooker 1 includes a detection substrate 14 for detecting touch operations on the operation area 6. The detection substrate 14 is a light-shielding substrate and is disposed opposite the operation area 6 between the top plate 3 and the LEDs 15. A through-hole 143 is formed in the detection substrate 14 to transmit reflected light from the reflective member 16 upwards. The through-hole 143 is formed to a size that converges the entire transmissive portion 13 inside when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 14, and is opposite to the transmissive portion 13. Furthermore, multiple LEDs 15 are provided on the lower surface 14B of the detection substrate 14, opposite to one through-hole 143.

[0150] Therefore, even if it is impossible to set the LED 15 opposite to the transmission part 13 on the lower surface 14B of the detection substrate 14, since multiple LEDs 15 are provided relative to a through hole 143, it is possible to suppress uneven color and brightness of the operation button 7 displayed on the top plate 3.

[0151] The through hole 143 is circular in shape. The LEDs 15 are symmetrically arranged with reference to an imaginary straight line L passing through the center C of the through hole 143.

[0152] This further suppresses uneven color and brightness on the operation buttons 7 displayed on the top panel 3.

[0153] (Other implementation methods)

[0154] As described above, embodiments 1 and 2 have been presented as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments with modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. Furthermore, new embodiments can be created by combining the constituent elements described in embodiments 1 and 2. Therefore, other embodiments will be illustrated below.

[0155] In the above embodiments, the diffuse reflective surfaces 101 and 161 are illustrated as curved, concave surfaces. However, the diffuse reflective surfaces 101 and 161 are not limited to being curved surfaces, as long as they are concave. For example, the diffuse reflective surfaces 101 and 161 may also be composed of an inner bottom surface and an inner side surface. In this case, the inner bottom surface is flat, and the inner bottom surface and the inner side surface are connected by a rounded corner surface.

[0156] In Embodiment 1 described above, the edge 102 of the diffuse reflective surface 101 is configured to contact the detection substrate 8. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2 described above, the edge 162 of the diffuse reflective surface 161 is configured to contact the detection substrate 14. In other embodiments, the edges 102 and 162 may not contact the detection substrates 8 and 14, and reflective components 10 and 16 may be provided below the LEDs 9 and 15.

[0157] In Embodiment 1 described above, one LED 9 is configured to be disposed relative to one transmissive portion 83. In other embodiments of Embodiment 1, multiple LEDs 9 may be disposed relative to one transmissive portion 83. In this configuration, the multiple LEDs 9 may also be symmetrically arranged with reference to a predetermined position of the transmissive portion 83.

[0158] In Embodiment 2 described above, two LEDs 15 are configured to be provided opposite to a through hole 143. In other embodiments of Embodiment 2, three or more LEDs 15 may be provided opposite to a through hole 143, or a single LED 15 may be provided.

[0159] In Embodiment 2 described above, the through-hole 143 is illustrated as having a circular shape. In other embodiments, the through-hole 143 may also be triangular, quadrilateral, elliptical, or other shapes. In this case, the LEDs 15 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to a predetermined point (centroid, center) of the through-hole 143 when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate 14.

[0160] In Embodiment 2 described above, two LEDs 15 are configured symmetrically with respect to a through hole 143. In other embodiments of Embodiment 2, the two LEDs 15 may also be configured asymmetrically.

[0161] In Embodiment 1 described above, a through-hole is formed in the detection substrate 8, penetrating both the detection substrate 8 and the electrode 81, to serve as a transmissive portion 83. In other embodiments of Embodiment 1, the transmissive portion 83 formed in the detection substrate 8 may also be a through-hole that only penetrates the detection substrate 8. In this other embodiment, the electrode 81 is a permeable electrode.

[0162] In Embodiment 2 described above, a through-hole 143 is formed in the detection substrate 14, penetrating both the detection substrate 14 and the electrode 141. In other embodiments of Embodiment 2, the through-hole 143 formed in the detection substrate 14 may also be a through-hole that only penetrates the detection substrate 14. In other embodiments, the electrode 141 is a transparent electrode or the like.

[0163] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, a heating cooker 1 equipped with three heating coils 4 is illustrated. However, the number of heating coils 4 equipped in the heating cooker 1 is not limited to three; it may be two or less, or four or more. In this case, the heating cooker 1 has an operating area 6 on the top plate 3 corresponding to the number of heating coils 4 equipped.

[0164] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, four operation buttons 7 can be displayed in one operation area 6. In other embodiments, the number of operation buttons 7 displayed in one operation area 6 can be three or less, or five or more.

[0165] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, LEDs 9 and 15 are exemplified as "light sources". In other embodiments, the type of "light source" is not limited to LEDs.

[0166] In the above embodiments 1 and 2, the cooking container TY is exemplified as the "object to be heated". However, the "object to be heated" is not limited to the cooking container TY, and can be any item that can be heated when placed on the top plate 3.

[0167] In the above embodiments 1 and 2, an induction heating type heating cooker 1 is exemplified as a "heating cooker". However, the heating source of the "heating cooker" is not limited to the heating coil 4, and may also be a halogen heater, a radiant heater, a gas heater, etc.

[0168] The processor 100 can consist of a single processor or multiple processors. The processor 100 can also be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, the processor 100 can be, for example, composed of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0169] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are used to illustrate the technology in this disclosure, and therefore, various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0170] (Postscript)

[0171] The following technology has been disclosed through the above description of the embodiments.

[0172] (Technology 1)

[0173] A heating cooker includes: a top plate having an operation area for receiving touch operations, on which a heated object is placed; a light source disposed below the top plate opposite to the operation area, emitting light downwards; a reflective member disposed below the top plate opposite to the operation area, reflecting the light from the light source upwards; and a transmission portion disposed between the top plate and the light source opposite to the operation area, transmitting reflected light from the reflective member in a shape corresponding to the pattern of an operation button to the operation area.

[0174] Therefore, this heating cooker does not use a transparent resin light guide plate; instead, it displays the operation buttons on the top plate using reflected light from a reflective component. This eliminates the need to secure space for a light guide plate, reducing constraints on the design of structures related to the operation button display. Furthermore, compared to structures using a transparent resin light guide plate, the color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top plate are less prone to variation. Thus, a heating cooker with high flexibility in the layout of structures related to the operation button display and with less variation in the color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top plate can be provided.

[0175] (Technology 2)

[0176] According to the heating cooker of technology 1, the heating cooker includes a detection substrate for detecting touch operation on the operation area. The detection substrate is a light-shielding substrate and is disposed opposite the operation area between the top plate and the light source. A through hole with a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button is formed on the detection substrate as the transmission part.

[0177] Therefore, the operation buttons can be effectively displayed on the top panel using a detection substrate that detects touch operations on the operating area. Thus, there is no need for dedicated components or materials to display the patterns on the operation buttons. Consequently, a heating cooker can be provided that minimizes the increase in the number of components and ensures that the color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top panel remain relatively unchanged.

[0178] (Technology 3)

[0179] According to the heating cooker of technology 1, the transmissive portion is formed on the lower surface of the top plate by printing a light-shielding material and a light-transmitting material.

[0180] This allows for the effective use of the lower surface of the top plate to display operation buttons on the top plate.

[0181] (Technology 4)

[0182] According to the heating cooker of technology 3, the heating cooker includes a detection substrate for detecting touch operations on the operation area. The detection substrate is a light-shielding substrate and is disposed opposite the operation area between the top plate and the light source. A through hole is formed on the detection substrate to transmit reflected light from the reflective member upward. The through hole is formed to a size that converges the entire transmissive portion inside when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate and is opposite to the transmissive portion. On the lower surface of the detection substrate, a plurality of the light sources are disposed opposite to one of the through holes.

[0183] Therefore, even in structures where it is impossible to place a light source opposite to the transmissive portion on the lower surface of the detection substrate, the presence of multiple light sources relative to a single through-hole can suppress uneven color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top panel.

[0184] (Technology 5)

[0185] According to the heating cooker of technology 4, the through hole is circular in shape, and when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate, the plurality of light sources are symmetrically arranged with reference to an imaginary straight line passing through the center of the through hole.

[0186] This further suppresses uneven color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top panel.

[0187] (Technology 6)

[0188] A heating cooker according to any one of technologies 1 to 5, wherein the reflective component has a diffuse reflective surface that diffusely reflects the light from the light source.

[0189] Therefore, it is possible to suppress deviations in the direction of light travel reflected from the reflective component, thereby suppressing uneven color and brightness of the operation buttons displayed on the top panel.

[0190] (Technology 7)

[0191] A heating cooker according to any one of technologies 1 to 6, wherein the reflective component is disposed below the light source.

[0192] Therefore, by placing the reflective component below the light source, the reflective component can widely utilize its reflective surface to reflect the light from the light source. Consequently, the reflective component can reflect the light from the light source over a large area, suppressing uneven color and brightness on the operation buttons displayed on the top panel.

[0193] [Industrial Applicability]

[0194] As described above, the heating cooker of the present invention can be used to display operation buttons on the top plate.

Claims

1. A heating cooker, comprising: A top plate having an operating area for receiving touch operations, on which the object to be heated is placed; A light source is positioned below the top plate opposite the operating area, emitting light downwards; A reflective component is disposed below the top plate opposite the operating area, so that the light from the light source is reflected upwards; as well as A transmissive portion is disposed opposite the operating area between the top plate and the light source, so that reflected light from the reflective component is transmitted to the operating area in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operating button.

2. The heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The heating cooker includes a detection substrate for detecting touch operations on the operating area. The detection substrate is a light-shielding substrate, and is disposed opposite the operating area between the top plate and the light source. The detection substrate has through holes with shapes corresponding to the pattern of the operation button to serve as the transmission part.

3. The heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The transmissive portion is formed on the lower surface of the top plate by printing with light-shielding and light-transmitting materials.

4. The heating cooker according to claim 3, wherein, The heating cooker includes a detection substrate for detecting touch operations on the operating area. The detection substrate is a light-shielding substrate, and is disposed opposite the operating area between the top plate and the light source. A through-hole is formed in the detection substrate to allow reflected light from the reflective component to be transmitted upwards. The through-hole is formed to a size that, when viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate, completely converges the entire transmissive portion inside, and is opposite to the transmissive portion. On the lower surface of the detection substrate, a plurality of light sources are disposed relative to one of the through holes.

5. The heating cooker according to claim 4, wherein, The through hole is circular in shape. Viewed from the thickness direction of the detection substrate, the plurality of light sources are symmetrically arranged with reference to an imaginary straight line passing through the center of the through hole.

6. The heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The reflective component has a diffuse reflective surface that diffuses the light from the light source.

7. The heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The reflective component is positioned below the light source.

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