Heating cooker

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a heating cooker in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of an operation button is high and color and brightness of the operation button to be displayed on a top plate are unlikely to change. A heating cooker according to the present disclosure includes: a top plate, on which an object to be heated is placed, having an operation area that accepts a touch operation; a light source, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to emit light downward; a reflection member, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to reflect light of the light source upward; and a transmissive portion, provided between the top plate and the light source and facing the operation area, configured to allow reflected light from the reflection member to be transmitted to the operation area, in a shape corresponding to a pattern of an operation button.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating cooker.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 5148606 discloses a heating cooker that displays operation buttons on a top plate. The heating cooker of Japanese Patent No. 5148606 has conductor detecting portions, each formed by cutting out a patterned part of an operation button, on the back surface of an operation area of a top plate. A planar light emitting member of transparent resin emits light to the conductor detecting portions, thereby displaying the operation buttons in the operation area of the top plate.

[0003] The present disclosure provides a heating cooker in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of an operation button is high and color and brightness of the operation button to be displayed on a top plate are unlikely to change.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A heating cooker according to the present disclosure includes: a top plate, on which an object to be heated is placed, having an operation area that accepts a touch operation; a light source, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to emit light downward; a reflection member, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to reflect light of the light source upward; and a transmissive portion, provided between the top plate and the light source and facing the operation area, configured to allow reflected light from the reflection member to be transmitted to the operation area, in a shape corresponding to a pattern of an operation button.

[0005] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a heating cooker in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of the operation button is high and color and brightness of the operation button to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heating cooker according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation area according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a detection board according to Embodiment 1, as viewed from a lower surface side; FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Embodiment 1; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Embodiment 2; FIG. 8 is a plan view of a detection board according to Embodiment 2, as viewed from a lower surface side; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of LEDs according to Embodiment 2; and FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Embodiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS(Knowledge and the like on which the present disclosure is based)

[0007] At the time when the inventors considered the present disclosure, there was a technique that displayed operation buttons on a top plate using a light guide plate of transparent resin, as described in Japanese Patent No. 5148606.

[0008] However, a light guide plate was large in size because it was a member that emits light from a point light source in a planar manner. Therefore, in conventional heating cookers, a certain amount of space was required to arrange the light guide plate, resulting in constraints on the design of a configuration related to display of the operation buttons. The inventors have discovered this problem and come to create the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem.

[0009] In addition, light guide plates of transparent resin are susceptible to discoloration due to environmental factors, deterioration over time, etc. Therefore, in conventional heating cookers, color and brightness of the operation buttons to be displayed on the top plate can change. The inventors have discovered this problem and come to create the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem.

[0010] The present disclosure then provides a heating cooker in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of the operation button is high and color and brightness of the operation button to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change.

[0011] Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0012] Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.(Embodiment 1)[1-1. Configuration]

[0013] Embodiment 1 will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIGS. 1 to 5 each illustrate an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually perpendicular. The Z-axis indicates the up-down direction and corresponds to the height direction of a heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The X-axis indicates the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The Y-axis indicates the front-rear direction of the heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the rightward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the forward direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction.[1-1-1. Configuration of Heating Cooker]

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the heating cooker 1.

[0016] The heating cooker 1 is a cooker that heats a cooking vessel TY that contains a cooking object T.

[0017] The cooking vessel TY is an example of an "object to be heated".

[0018] The heating cooker 1 includes a housing 2 and a top plate 3. The heating cooker 1 of this embodiment is a so-called built-in type cooker, with the housing 2 embedded in an opening in a kitchen counter and the top plate 3 placed on top of the opening.

[0019] The housing 2 is provided below the top plate 3 and heats the cooking vessel TY placed on the top plate 3. In this embodiment, three heating coils 4 are provided within the housing 2. Each heating coil 4 is arranged below the top plate 3 and heats the cooking vessel TY placed on the portion of the opposing top plate 3.

[0020] The top plate 3 is a light-transmitting plate-like member, and is formed, for example, of heat-resistant glass.

[0021] Three display units 5, 5A, 5B, and 5C, are provided in front of the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. Each display unit 5 is configured with a display, and displays the heating states, etc. of the heating coils 4.

[0022] More specifically, the display unit 5A is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4A and displays the heating state, etc. of the heating coil 4A.

[0023] The display unit 5B is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4B and displays the heating state, etc. of the heating coil 4B.

[0024] The display unit 5C is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4C and displays the heating state, etc. of the heating coil 4C.

[0025] Three operation areas 6, 6A, 6B, and 6C, are provided in front of the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. Each operation area 6 is an area that accepts touch operations and accepts operations of the heating cooker 1 from the user. Note that the operations of the heating cooker 1 include operations to start and stop heating of the heating coil 4, operations to set the heat power of the heating coil 4, and operations to turn the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off.

[0026] More specifically, the operation area 6A is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4A and accepts operations related to the heating coil 4A, operations to turn the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off, etc.

[0027] The operation area 6B is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4B and accepts operations related to the heating coil 4B and operations to turn the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off, etc.

[0028] The operation area 6C is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4C and accepts operations related to the heating coil 4C and operations to turn the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off, etc.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation area 6.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the operation area 6 has a long shape, with the longitudinal direction corresponding to the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1. The operation area 6 can display four touch-operable operation buttons 7. The operation area 6 can simultaneously display the multiple operation buttons 7, and when the multiple operation buttons 7 are displayed simultaneously, they are displayed side-by-side in the left-right direction. Note that FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the operation area 6 simultaneously displays the operation buttons 7A to 7D.[1-1-2. Configuration Related to Display of Operation Buttons]

[0031] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, a configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7 will be described. Note that while FIGS. 3 and 5 show vertical cross-sectional views of the operation area 6A, the heating cooker 1 also has the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 for the operation areas 6B and 6C.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. Note that line A-A in FIG. 1 is a line extending longitudinally through substantially the center of the operation area 6A in the short direction of the operation area 6A. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the detection board 8 as viewed from the lower surface 8B side.

[0033] The heating cooker 1 includes, for each operation area 6, a detection board 8, four LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 9, 9A to 9D, and four reflection members 10, 10A to 10D.

[0034] The LEDs 9 are each an example of a "light source".

[0035] The detection board 8 is a board that detects touch operations on the operation area 6 and is a long-shaped, light-blocking board. The detection board 8 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. More specifically, the detection board 8 is provided so that the upper surface 8A of the detection board 8 is in contact with the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3. In addition, the detection board 8 is provided so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1. Note that the upper surface 8A of the detection board 8 does not need to be in contact with the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3.

[0036] Four electrodes 81, 81A, 81B, 81C, and 81D, are provided side-by-side in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface 8A of the detection board 8. Each of the electrodes 81 is a capacitive touch sensor, and is connected to a connector 82 provided on the detection board 8. An FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) 12, one end of which is connected to the control device 11, is connected to the connector 82. This causes each signal from the electrodes 81 to be output to the control device 11 via the FFC 12.

[0037] Four transmissive portions 83, 83A to 83D, are formed side-by-side in the longitudinal direction on the detection board 8. Each transmissive portion 83 is a through-hole that penetrates through the detection board 8 and the electrode 81, and has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7 when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8. The transmissive portion 83 is also formed within the plane of the electrode 81 when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0038] Each of the transmissive portions 83A to 83D will now be described in more detail.

[0039] The transmissive portion 83A is a through-hole that has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7A, and is formed within the plane of the electrode 81A when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0040] The transmissive portion 83B is a through-hole that has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7B, and is formed within the plane of the electrode 81B when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0041] The transmissive portion 83C is a through-hole that has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7C, and is formed within the plane of the electrode 81C when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0042] The transmissive portion 83D is a through-hole that has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7D, and is formed within the plane of the electrode 81D when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0043] Each of the LEDs 9 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. More specifically, each of the LEDs 9 is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8. Each of the LEDs 9 emits light downward from the detection board 8.

[0044] To describe each of the LEDs 9A to 9D in more detail, the LED 9A is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8, at a position facing the transmissive portion 83A. The LED 9B is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8, at a position facing the transmissive portion 83B. The LED 9C is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8, at a position facing the transmissive portion 83C. The LED 9D is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8, at a position facing the transmissive portion 83D.

[0045] Each of the reflection members 10 is a member having a curved, concave diffuse reflection surface 101. Each of the reflection members 10 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. The diffuse reflection surface 101 of each reflection member 10 faces the transmissive portion 83, and the edge 102 of the diffuse reflection surface 101 is in contact with the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8. The diffuse reflection surface 101 is sized so that the entire transmissive portion 83 fits within the plane when viewed in the concave direction of the surface (the up-down direction in FIG. 2). Therefore, each reflection member 10 is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8 with the edge 102 of the diffuse reflection surface 101 not in contact with the transmissive portion 83.

[0046] The relationship between the diffuse reflection surface 101, and the transmissive portion 83 and the LED 9 for each reflection member 10 will be described.

[0047] The diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10A faces the transmissive portion 83A and the LED 9A. When viewed in the up-down direction, the transmissive portion 83A and the LED 9A are included within the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10A.

[0048] The diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10B faces the transmissive portion 83B and the LED 9B. When viewed in the up-down direction, the transmissive portion 83B and the LED 9B are included within the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10B.

[0049] The diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10C faces the transmissive portion 83C and the LED 9C. When viewed in the up-down direction, the transmissive portion 83C and the LED 9C are included within the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10C.

[0050] The diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10D faces the transmissive portion 83D and the LED 9D. When viewed in the up-down direction, the transmissive portion 83D and the LED 9D are included within the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10D.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1, showing the case where the LEDs 9 are emitting light.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, when each LED 9 emits light, the reflection member 10 reflects the light of the LED 9 upward. In the up-down direction, the light-blocking detection board 8 is provided between the top plate 3 and the LEDs 9. Therefore, reflected light that travels from the reflection member 10 to the transmissive portion 83 passes through the detection board 8 and reaches the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. However, reflected light that travels from the reflection member 10 to a part other than the transmissive portion 83 is blocked by the detection board 8 and does not reach the top plate 3. This causes light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3. Therefore, by turning on the LEDs 9, the heating cooker 1 can display the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3. Therefore, in the heating cooker 1, the operation button 7A can be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3 by turning on the LED 9A, the operation button 7B can be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3 by turning on the LED 9B, the operation button 7C can be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3 by turning on the LED 9C, and the operation button 7D can be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3 by turning on the LED 9D.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the control system of the heating cooker 1.

[0054] The heating cooker 1 includes a control device 11.

[0055] The control device 11 includes a processor 100 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a memory 110, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected. Each of heating coils 4A to 4C, each of LEDs 9A to 9D, and each of electrodes 81A to 81D are connected to the control device 11. Note that devices other than those shown in FIG. 6 may also be connected to the control device 11.

[0056] The memory 110 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The memory 110 stores a control program 111 and other data processed by the processor 100. The memory 110 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 110 may include a volatile storage area and may form a work area for the processor 100. The memory 110 is configured with, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0057] The control program 111 is a program executed by the processor 100.[1-2. Operation]

[0058] Next, the operation of the control device 11 will be described.

[0059] The control device 11 controls supply of electricity to the heating coil 4 with the processor 100 reading and executing the control program 111. Thereby, the control device 11 starts or stops heating of the cooking vessel TY, and controls the heat power of the heating coil 4.

[0060] The control device 11 also turns the LEDs 9 on and off with the processor 100 reading and executing the control program 111. The control device 11 can turn each LED 9 on and off independently. As a result, the control device 11 can display only the operable operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3, in accordance with the operation sequence of the operation buttons 7, the heating status of the heating coil 4, etc.[1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0061] As described above, the heating cooker 1 has operation areas 6 that accept touch operations, and includes a top plate 3 on which a cooking vessel TY is placed. The heating cooker 1 also includes the LEDs 9 that are provided below the top plate 3 facing the operation areas 6 and emit light downward. The heating cooker 1 also includes the reflection members 10 that are provided below the top plate 3 facing the operation areas 6 and reflect the light of the LEDs 9 upward. The heating cooker 1 includes the transmissive portions 83, each of which is provided between the top plate 3 and the LED 9 and faces the operation area 6, and transmits light reflected from the reflection member 10 into the operation area 6 in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7.

[0062] As a result, the heating cooker 1 displays the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3 using light reflected from the reflection members 10, without using a light guide plate of transparent resin. This eliminates the need to reserve space for arranging a light guide plate, and alleviates constraints on the design of the configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7. Furthermore, in the heating cooker 1, color and brightness of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed on the top plate 3 are unlikely to change compared to a configuration using a light guide plate of transparent resin. This makes it possible to provide a heating cooker 1 in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7 is high and color and brightness of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed on the top plate 3 is unlikely to change.

[0063] Furthermore, in a configuration using a light guide plate of transparent resin, components are required to prevent the light emitted by one light guide plate from causing other light guide plates to emit the light, and the light guide plates are often configured with multiple components, resulting in a large number of components. However, the heating cooker 1 of the present disclosure does not use a light guide plate of transparent resin. Therefore, a heating cooker 1 with a small number of components can be provided, and the cost of the heating cooker 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, the small number of components reduces the assembly labor required for the heating cooker 1.

[0064] The heating cooker 1 includes detection boards 8 that detect touch operations on the operation areas 6. Each detection board 8 is a light-blocking board and is provided between the top plate 3 and the LEDs 9, facing the operation area 6. The detection board 8 has through-holes, each of which has a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7, formed as transmissive portions 83.

[0065] This makes it possible to utilize each detection board 8, which detects touch operations on the operation area 6, to display the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3. This eliminates the need to provide new, dedicated components or materials for displaying the patterns of the operation buttons 7. This makes it possible to provide a heating cooker 1 in which color and brightness of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed on the top plate 3 are unlikely to change, while preventing increase of the number of components.

[0066] Each reflection member 10 has a diffuse reflection surface 101 to diffusely reflect the light of the LED 9.

[0067] This makes it possible to prevent the light reflected from the reflection members 10 from being unevenly distributed in the direction of travel, thereby preventing uneven color and uneven brightness in the operation buttons 7 displayed on the top plate 3.(Embodiment 2)

[0068] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0069] In this description of Embodiment 2, differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described. Furthermore, in the description of Embodiment 2, components of the heating cooker 1 that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and characters, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.[2-1. Configuration]

[0070] Compared to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 differs in the configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7.

[0071] Next, with reference to FIGS 7 to 10, a configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Note that while FIGS 7 and 10 show vertical cross-sectional views of the operation area 6A, the heating cooker 1 also has the configuration shown in FIGS 7 to 10 for the operation areas 6B and 6C.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. Note that the three axes X, Y, and Z shown in FIG. 7 are the same as those in FIG. 1, etc.

[0073] In Embodiment 2, the patterns of the operation buttons 7 are printed using a light-transmitting material on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 facing the operation areas 6, and a light-blocking material is printed in parts other than the patterns of the operation buttons 7. As a result, in Embodiment 2, four transmissive portions 13 are formed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 facing the operation area 6. Like the transmissive portions 83, the transmissive portions 13 transmit light reflected from the reflection members 16 to the top plate 3 in shapes corresponding to the patterns of the operation buttons 7.

[0074] The transmissive portions 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are formed side-by-side in the left-right direction on the lower surface 3B. The transmissive portion 13A transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7A. The transmissive portion 13B transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7B. The transmissive portion 13C transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7C. The transmissive portion 13D transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7D.

[0075] The heating cooker 1 in Embodiment 2 includes a detection board 14, eight LEDs 15, LEDs 15A to 15H, and four reflection members 16, 16A to 16D, for each operation area 6.

[0076] Each LED 15 is an example of a "light source".

[0077] The detection board 14 will be described with reference to FIGS 7 and 8. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the detection board 14 as viewed from the lower surface 14B side. Note that the three axes X, Y, and Z shown in FIG. 8 are the same as those in FIG. 1, etc.

[0078] The detection board 14 is a board that detects touch operations on the operation area 6 and is a long-shaped, light-blocking board. The detection board 14 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. More specifically, the detection board 14 is provided so that the upper surface 14A of the detection board 14 is in contact with the material printed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3. The detection board 14 is provided so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1.

[0079] Four electrodes 141, 141A, 141B, 141C, and 141D, are provided on the upper surface 14A of the detection board 14 and provided side-by-side in the longitudinal direction. Each of the electrodes 141 is a capacitive touch sensor, and is connected to a connector 142 provided on the detection board 14. An FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) 12, one end of which is connected to the control device 11, is connected to the connector 142. This causes each signal from the electrodes 141 to be output to the control device 11 via the FFC 12.

[0080] Through-holes 143A to 143D that penetrate through the detection board 14 and electrodes 141 are formed on the detection board 14 side-by-side in the longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, when the through-holes 143A to 143D are not distinguished, each will be referred to as "a through-hole 143" by adding the reference numeral "143". The shape of each of the through-holes 143 is circular when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14. The through-hole 143 is sized so that the entire transmissive portion 13 fits within when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14, and is formed within the plane of electrode 141.

[0081] Describing each of the through-holes 143A to 143D in more detail, the through-hole 143A is formed within the plane of the electrode 141A when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14. The through-hole 143B is formed within the plane of the electrode 141B when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14. The through-hole 143C is formed within the plane of the electrode 141C when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14. The through-hole 143D is formed within the plane of the electrode 141D when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14.

[0082] Returning to the description of FIG. 7, two LEDs 15 are provided for each through-hole 143 on the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14. In detail, the LEDs 15A and 15B are provided in the through-hole 143A, the LEDs 15C and 15D are provided in the through-hole 143B, the LEDs 15E and 15F are provided in the through-hole 143C, and the LEDs 15G and 15H are provided in the through-hole 143D. Note that each LED 15 emits light downward of the detection board 14.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of LEDs 15 in one through-hole 143.

[0084] FIG. 9 shows the through-hole 143 as viewed from the lower surface 14B side of the detection board 14. As shown in FIG. 9, the two LEDs 15 are arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line L passing through the center C of the through-hole 143. In other words, the two LEDs 15 are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line L.

[0085] Each of the reflection members 16 is a member having a curved, concave diffuse reflection surface 161. Each reflection member 16 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. In each reflection member 16, the diffuse reflection surface 161 faces the transmissive portion 13, and the edge 162 of the diffuse reflection surface 161 is in contact with the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14. The diffuse reflection surface 161 is sized so that the entire through-hole 143 fits within the plane when viewed in the concave direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 7). Therefore, each reflection member 16 is provided so that the edge 162 of the diffuse reflection surface 161 is in contact with the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14.

[0086] The relationship between the diffuse reflection surface 161, and the transmissive portion 13 and the LEDs 15 for each reflection member 16 will be described.

[0087] The diffuse reflection surface 161 of the reflection member 16A faces the through-hole 143A, and LEDs 15A and 15B. In the up-down direction, the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 161 includes the through-hole 143A, and the LEDs 15A and 15B.

[0088] The diffuse reflection surface 161 of the reflection member 16B faces the through-hole 143B, and the LEDs 15C and 15D. In the up-down direction, the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 161 includes the through-hole 143B, and the LEDs 15C and 15D.

[0089] The diffuse reflection surface 161 of the reflection member 16C faces the through-hole 143C, and the LEDs 15E and 15F. In the up-down direction, the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 161 includes the through-hole 143C, and the LEDs 15E and 15F.

[0090] The diffuse reflection surface 161 of the reflection member 16D faces the through-hole 143D, and the LEDs 15G and 15H. In the up-down direction, the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 161 includes the through-hole 143D, and the LEDs 15G and 15H.

[0091] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1, showing the case where the LEDs 15 emit light. Note that the three axes X, Y, and Z shown in FIG. 10 are the same as those in FIG. 1, etc.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, when the LEDs 15 emit light, the reflection members 16 reflect the light of LEDs 15 upward. The reflected light from each reflection member 16 passes through the through-hole 143 in the detection board 14 and travels toward the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3. If the reflected light toward the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 travels to the light-blocking material, it is blocked by the light-blocking material, and if the reflected light travels to a light-transmitting material, it travels to the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. This causes light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3. Therefore, by turning on the LEDs 15, the heating cooker 1 can display the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3. Therefore, the heating cooker 1 can display the operation button 7A on the top plate 3 by illuminating the LEDs 15A and 15B, the operation button 7B on the top plate 3 by illuminating the LEDs 15C and 15D, the operation button 7C on the top plate 3 by illuminating the LEDs 15E and 15F, and operation button 7D on the top plate 3 by illuminating the LEDs 15G and 15H.

[0093] Next, a configuration of the control system of the heating cooker 1 in Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0094] The LEDs 15A to 15H are connected to the control device 11 in place of the LEDs 9A to 9D. The electrodes 141A to 141D are connected to the control device 11 in place of the electrodes 81A to 81D.[2-2. Operation]

[0095] Next, the operation of the control device 11 will be described.

[0096] The control device 11 turns the LEDs 15 on and off with the processor 100 reading and executing the control program 111. The control device 11 can turn each LED 15 on and off independently. As a result, the control device 11 can display only the operable operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3, in accordance with the operation sequence of the operation buttons 7, the heating status of the heating coil 4, etc.[2-3. Effects, etc.]

[0097] As described above, the transmissive portion 13 is formed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 by printing a light-blocking material and a light-transmitting material.

[0098] This allows the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 to be utilized to display the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3.

[0099] The heating cooker 1 includes the detection boards 14 that detects touch operations on the operation areas 6. Each detection board 14 is a light-blocking board and is provided between the top plate 3 and the LEDs 15, facing the operation area 6. The detection board 14 includes through-holes 143 that allow reflected light from the reflection members 16 to be transmitted upward. Each through-hole 143 is formed to a size that allows the entire transmissive portion 13 to fit within when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14, and faces the transmissive portion 13. Multiple LEDs 15 are provided for each through-hole 143 on the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14.

[0100] This allows the multiple LEDs 15 to be provided for each through-hole 143, even in a configuration where it is not possible to provide the LEDs 15 facing the transmissive portion 13 on the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14, thereby preventing uneven color and brightness in the operation buttons 7 displayed on the top plate 3.

[0101] The shape of each through-hole 143 is circular. The LEDs 15 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line L that passes through the center C of the through-hole 143.

[0102] This makes it possible to further prevent color and brightness unevenness in the operation buttons 7 displayed on the top plate 3.(Other Embodiments)

[0103] As described above, Embodiments 1 and 2 are described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, or the like are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the individual components described in the above Embodiments 1 and 2 to form new embodiments. Then, other embodiments will be illustrated below.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the case has been illustrated in which the diffuse reflection surfaces 101 and 161 are curved, concave surfaces. However, the diffuse reflection surfaces 101 and 161 only need to be any recessed surfaces and are not limited to curved surfaces. For example, the diffuse reflection surfaces 101 and 161 may be configured with an inner bottom surface and inner side surfaces. Note that in this case, the inner bottom surface is flat, and the inner bottom surface and inner side surfaces are connected by rounded corners.

[0105] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the edge 102 of each diffuse reflection surface 101 is in contact with the detection board 8. In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the edge 162 of each diffuse reflection surface 161 is in contact with the detection board 14. In other embodiments, a configuration may be such that the edges 102 and 162 are not in contact with the respective detection boards 8 and 14, and the reflection members 10 and 16 are provided below the respective LEDs 9 and 15.

[0106] In the above-described Embodiment 1, one LED 9 is provided for one transmissive portion 83. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 1, multiple LEDs 9 may be provided for one transmissive portion 83. In this configuration, the multiple LEDs 9 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a predetermined position of the transmissive portion 83.

[0107] In the above-described Embodiment 2, two LEDs 15 are provided for one through-hole 143. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 2, three or more LEDs 15 may be provided for one through-hole 143, or only one LED 15 may be provided for one through-hole 143.

[0108] In the above-described Embodiment 2, the case has been illustrated in which the shape of each through-hole 143 is circular. In other embodiments, the shape of the through-hole 143 may be other shapes such as triangular, rectangular, or oval. In this case, the LEDs 15 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a predetermined point (center of gravity or center) of the through-hole 143 when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14.

[0109] In the above-described Embodiment 2, two LEDs 15 are arranged symmetrically for one through-hole 143. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 2, the two LEDs 15 do not need to be arranged symmetrically.

[0110] In the above-described Embodiment 1, through-holes that penetrate through the detection board 8 and the electrodes 81 are formed in the detection board 8 as transmissive portions 83. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 1, each transmissive portion 83 formed in the detection board 8 may be a through-hole that penetrates through only the detection board 8. In this other embodiment, the transparent electrode is employed for the electrode 81.

[0111] In the above-described Embodiment 2, the detection board 14 has through-holes 143, each of which penetrates through the detection board 14 and the electrode 141. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 2, each through-hole 143 formed in the detection board 14 may be a through-hole that penetrates only the detection board 14. In this other embodiment, a transparent electrode such as a transparent film is employed for the electrode 141.

[0112] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, a heating cooker 1 including three heating coils 4 has been illustrated. However, the number of heating coils 4 provided in the heating cooker 1 is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more. In this case, the heating cooker 1 has the operation areas 6 on the top plate 3, the number of which is equal to the number of the heating coils 4 provided.

[0113] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, 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 may be three or less, or five or more.

[0114] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the LEDs 9 and 15 are used as examples of the "light sources". In other embodiments, the type of "light source" is not limited to LEDs.

[0115] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the cooking vessel TY is used as an example of the "object to be heated". However, the "object to be heated" is not limited to the cooking vessel TY, and may be any object that can be heated while placed on the top plate 3.

[0116] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the heating cooker 1 of induction heating is exemplified as the "heating cooker". However, the heat source of the "heating cooker" is not limited to the heating coil 4, and may also be a halogen heater, radiant heater, gas heater, etc.

[0117] The processor 100 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The processor 100 may also be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. In other words, the processor 100 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0118] Note that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.(Supplementary notes)

[0119] The following technology is disclosed based on the description of the above embodiments.(Technique 1)

[0120] A heating cooker including: a top plate, on which an object to be heated is placed, having an operation area that accepts a touch operation; a light source, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to emit light downward; a reflection member, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to reflect light of the light source upward; and a transmissive portion, provided between the top plate and the light source and facing the operation area, configured to allow reflected light from the reflection member to be transmitted to the operation area, in a shape corresponding to a pattern of an operation button.

[0121] This causes the heating cooker to display the operation buttons on the top plate using light reflected from the reflection member, without using a light guide plate of transparent resin. This eliminates the need to reserve space for arranging a light guide plate, and alleviates constraints on the design of the configuration related to display of the operation buttons. Furthermore, in the heating cooker, color and brightness of the operation buttons to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change compared to a configuration using a light guide plate of transparent resin. This makes it possible to provide a heating cooker in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of the operation button is high and color and brightness of the operation button to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change.(Technique 2)

[0122] The heating cooker according to Technique 1, further including a detection board configured to detect a touch operation on the operation area, wherein the detection board is a light-blocking board, and is provided, facing the operation area, between the top plate and the light source, and the detection board has a through-hole formed as the transmissive portion, the through-hole having a shape corresponding to a pattern of the operation button.

[0123] This makes it possible to utilize the detection board, which detects touch operations on the operation areas, to display the operation buttons on the top plate. This eliminates the need to provide new, dedicated components or materials for displaying the patterns of the operation buttons. This makes it possible to provide a heating cooker in which color and brightness of the operation buttons to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change, while preventing increase of the number of components.(Technique 3)

[0124] The heating cooker according to Technique 1, wherein the transmissive portion is formed on a lower surface of the top plate by printing a light-blocking material and a light-transmitting material.

[0125] This allows the lower surface of the top plate to be utilized to display the operation buttons on the top plate.(Technique 4)

[0126] The heating cooker according to Technique 3, further including a detection board configured to detect a touch operation on the operation area, wherein the detection board is a light-blocking board, and is provided, facing the operation area, between the top plate and the light source, the detection board has a through-hole that transmits light reflected from the reflection member upward, the through-hole is sized so that the entire transmissive portion fits within the through-hole when viewed in a thickness direction of the detection board, and faces the transmissive portion, and a plurality of the light sources is provided for the one through-hole on a lower surface of the detection board.

[0127] This allows a plurality of light sources to be provided for each through-hole, even in a configuration where it is not possible to provide light sources facing the transmissive portion on the lower surface of the detection board, thereby preventing uneven color and brightness in the operation buttons displayed on the top plate.(Technique 5)

[0128] The heating cooker according to Technique 4, wherein a shape of the through-hole is circular, and the plurality of the light sources is symmetrically arranged with respect to an imaginary line passing through a center of the through-hole when viewed in a thickness direction of the detection board.

[0129] This makes it possible to further prevent color and brightness unevenness in the operation buttons displayed on the top plate.(Technique 6)

[0130] The heating cooker according to any one of Techniques 1 to 5, wherein the reflection member has a diffuse reflection surface that diffusely reflects light of the light source.

[0131] This makes it possible to prevent the light reflected from the reflection member from being unevenly distributed in the direction of travel, thereby preventing uneven color and uneven brightness in the operation buttons displayed on the top plate.(Technique 7)

[0132] The heating cooker according to any one of Techniques 1 to 6, wherein the reflection member is provided below the light source.

[0133] This causes the reflection members to be provided below the light source, so that the reflection member can reflect the light of the light source using the reflection surface widely. This allows the reflection member to reflect light of the light source in a wide range, preventing uneven color and brightness in the operation buttons displayed on the top plate.Industrial Applicability

[0134] As described above, the heating cooker according to the present invention can be used for applications to display operation buttons on the top plate.Reference Signs List

[0135] 1 heating cooker 2 housing 3 top plate 3A, 8A, 14A upper surface 3B, 8B, 14B lower surface 4, 4A to 4C heating coil 6, 6A to 6C operation area 7, 7A to 7D operation button 8, 14 detection board 9, 9A to 9D, 15, 15A to 15H LED (light source) 10, 10A to 10D, 16, 16A to 16D reflection member 11 control device 12 FFC 13, 13A to 13D, 83, 83A to 83D transmissive portion 81, 81A to 81D, 141, 141A to 141D electrode 82, 142 connector 100 processor 101, 161 diffuse reflection surface 102, 162 edge 110 memory 111 control program 143, 143A to 143D through-hole C center L imaginary line T cooking object TY cooking vessel (object to be heated)

Examples

embodiment 1

(Embodiment 1)

[1-1. Configuration]

[0013]Embodiment 1 will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014]FIGS. 1 to 5 each illustrate an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually perpendicular. The Z-axis indicates the up-down direction and corresponds to the height direction of a heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The X-axis indicates the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The Y-axis indicates the front-rear direction of the heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the rightward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the forward direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction.

[1-1-1. Configuration of Heating Cooker]

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the heating cooker 1.

[0016]The heating cooker 1 is a cooker that heats a cooking vessel TY that contains a cooking object T.

[0017]The cooking vessel TY is an...

embodiment 2

(Embodiment 2)

[0068]Next, Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0069]In this description of Embodiment 2, differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described. Furthermore, in the description of Embodiment 2, components of the heating cooker 1 that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and characters, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[2-1. Configuration]

[0070]Compared to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 differs in the configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7.

[0071]Next, with reference to FIGS 7 to 10, a configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Note that while FIGS 7 and 10 show vertical cross-sectional views of the operation area 6A, the heating cooker 1 also has the configuration shown in FIGS 7 to 10 for the operation areas 6B and 6C.

[0072]FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. Note that the three axes X, Y, and...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating cooker.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 5148606 discloses a heating cooker that displays operation buttons on a top plate. The heating cooker of Japanese Patent No. 5148606 has conductor detecting portions, each formed by cutting out a patterned part of an operation button, on the back surface of an operation area of a top plate. A planar light emitting member of transparent resin emits light to the conductor detecting portions, thereby displaying the operation buttons in the operation area of the top plate.

[0003] The present disclosure provides a heating cooker in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of an operation button is high and color and brightness of the operation button to be displayed on a top plate are unlikely to change.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A heating cooker according to the present disclosure includes: a top plate, on which an object to be heated is placed, having an operation area that accepts a touch operation; a light source, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to emit light downward; a reflection member, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to reflect light of the light source upward; and a transmissive portion, provided between the top plate and the light source and facing the operation area, configured to allow reflected light from the reflection member to be transmitted to the operation area, in a shape corresponding to a pattern of an operation button.

[0005] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a heating cooker in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of the operation button is high and color and brightness of the operation button to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heating cooker according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation area according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a detection board according to Embodiment 1, as viewed from a lower surface side; FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Embodiment 1; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Embodiment 2; FIG. 8 is a plan view of a detection board according to Embodiment 2, as viewed from a lower surface side; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of LEDs according to Embodiment 2; and FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Embodiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS(Knowledge and the like on which the present disclosure is based)

[0007] At the time when the inventors considered the present disclosure, there was a technique that displayed operation buttons on a top plate using a light guide plate of transparent resin, as described in Japanese Patent No. 5148606.

[0008] However, a light guide plate was large in size because it was a member that emits light from a point light source in a planar manner. Therefore, in conventional heating cookers, a certain amount of space was required to arrange the light guide plate, resulting in constraints on the design of a configuration related to display of the operation buttons. The inventors have discovered this problem and come to create the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem.

[0009] In addition, light guide plates of transparent resin are susceptible to discoloration due to environmental factors, deterioration over time, etc. Therefore, in conventional heating cookers, color and brightness of the operation buttons to be displayed on the top plate can change. The inventors have discovered this problem and come to create the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem.

[0010] The present disclosure then provides a heating cooker in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of the operation button is high and color and brightness of the operation button to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change.

[0011] Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0012] Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.(Embodiment 1)[1-1. Configuration]

[0013] Embodiment 1 will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIGS. 1 to 5 each illustrate an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually perpendicular. The Z-axis indicates the up-down direction and corresponds to the height direction of a heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The X-axis indicates the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The Y-axis indicates the front-rear direction of the heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the rightward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the forward direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction.[1-1-1. Configuration of Heating Cooker]

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the heating cooker 1.

[0016] The heating cooker 1 is a cooker that heats a cooking vessel TY that contains a cooking object T.

[0017] The cooking vessel TY is an example of an "object to be heated".

[0018] The heating cooker 1 includes a housing 2 and a top plate 3. The heating cooker 1 of this embodiment is a so-called built-in type cooker, with the housing 2 embedded in an opening in a kitchen counter and the top plate 3 placed on top of the opening.

[0019] The housing 2 is provided below the top plate 3 and heats the cooking vessel TY placed on the top plate 3. In this embodiment, three heating coils 4 are provided within the housing 2. Each heating coil 4 is arranged below the top plate 3 and heats the cooking vessel TY placed on the portion of the opposing top plate 3.

[0020] The top plate 3 is a light-transmitting plate-like member, and is formed, for example, of heat-resistant glass.

[0021] Three display units 5, 5A, 5B, and 5C, are provided in front of the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. Each display unit 5 is configured with a display, and displays the heating states, etc. of the heating coils 4.

[0022] More specifically, the display unit 5A is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4A and displays the heating state, etc. of the heating coil 4A.

[0023] The display unit 5B is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4B and displays the heating state, etc. of the heating coil 4B.

[0024] The display unit 5C is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4C and displays the heating state, etc. of the heating coil 4C.

[0025] Three operation areas 6, 6A, 6B, and 6C, are provided in front of the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. Each operation area 6 is an area that accepts touch operations and accepts operations of the heating cooker 1 from the user. Note that the operations of the heating cooker 1 include operations to start and stop heating of the heating coil 4, operations to set the heat power of the heating coil 4, and operations to turn the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off.

[0026] More specifically, the operation area 6A is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4A and accepts operations related to the heating coil 4A, operations to turn the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off, etc.

[0027] The operation area 6B is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4B and accepts operations related to the heating coil 4B and operations to turn the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off, etc.

[0028] The operation area 6C is provided corresponding to the heating coil 4C and accepts operations related to the heating coil 4C and operations to turn the main power of the heating cooker 1 on and off, etc.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation area 6.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the operation area 6 has a long shape, with the longitudinal direction corresponding to the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1. The operation area 6 can display four touch-operable operation buttons 7. The operation area 6 can simultaneously display the multiple operation buttons 7, and when the multiple operation buttons 7 are displayed simultaneously, they are displayed side-by-side in the left-right direction. Note that FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the operation area 6 simultaneously displays the operation buttons 7A to 7D.[1-1-2. Configuration Related to Display of Operation Buttons]

[0031] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, a configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7 will be described. Note that while FIGS. 3 and 5 show vertical cross-sectional views of the operation area 6A, the heating cooker 1 also has the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 for the operation areas 6B and 6C.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. Note that line A-A in FIG. 1 is a line extending longitudinally through substantially the center of the operation area 6A in the short direction of the operation area 6A. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the detection board 8 as viewed from the lower surface 8B side.

[0033] The heating cooker 1 includes, for each operation area 6, a detection board 8, four LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 9, 9A to 9D, and four reflection members 10, 10A to 10D.

[0034] The LEDs 9 are each an example of a "light source".

[0035] The detection board 8 is a board that detects touch operations on the operation area 6 and is a long-shaped, light-blocking board. The detection board 8 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. More specifically, the detection board 8 is provided so that the upper surface 8A of the detection board 8 is in contact with the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3. In addition, the detection board 8 is provided so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1. Note that the upper surface 8A of the detection board 8 does not need to be in contact with the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3.

[0036] Four electrodes 81, 81A, 81B, 81C, and 81D, are provided side-by-side in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface 8A of the detection board 8. Each of the electrodes 81 is a capacitive touch sensor, and is connected to a connector 82 provided on the detection board 8. An FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) 12, one end of which is connected to the control device 11, is connected to the connector 82. This causes each signal from the electrodes 81 to be output to the control device 11 via the FFC 12.

[0037] Four transmissive portions 83, 83A to 83D, are formed side-by-side in the longitudinal direction on the detection board 8. Each transmissive portion 83 is a through-hole that penetrates through the detection board 8 and the electrode 81, and has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7 when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8. The transmissive portion 83 is also formed within the plane of the electrode 81 when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0038] Each of the transmissive portions 83A to 83D will now be described in more detail.

[0039] The transmissive portion 83A is a through-hole that has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7A, and is formed within the plane of the electrode 81A when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0040] The transmissive portion 83B is a through-hole that has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7B, and is formed within the plane of the electrode 81B when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0041] The transmissive portion 83C is a through-hole that has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7C, and is formed within the plane of the electrode 81C when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0042] The transmissive portion 83D is a through-hole that has a shape that corresponds to the pattern of the operation button 7D, and is formed within the plane of the electrode 81D when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 8.

[0043] Each of the LEDs 9 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. More specifically, each of the LEDs 9 is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8. Each of the LEDs 9 emits light downward from the detection board 8.

[0044] To describe each of the LEDs 9A to 9D in more detail, the LED 9A is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8, at a position facing the transmissive portion 83A. The LED 9B is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8, at a position facing the transmissive portion 83B. The LED 9C is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8, at a position facing the transmissive portion 83C. The LED 9D is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8, at a position facing the transmissive portion 83D.

[0045] Each of the reflection members 10 is a member having a curved, concave diffuse reflection surface 101. Each of the reflection members 10 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. The diffuse reflection surface 101 of each reflection member 10 faces the transmissive portion 83, and the edge 102 of the diffuse reflection surface 101 is in contact with the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8. The diffuse reflection surface 101 is sized so that the entire transmissive portion 83 fits within the plane when viewed in the concave direction of the surface (the up-down direction in FIG. 2). Therefore, each reflection member 10 is provided on the lower surface 8B of the detection board 8 with the edge 102 of the diffuse reflection surface 101 not in contact with the transmissive portion 83.

[0046] The relationship between the diffuse reflection surface 101, and the transmissive portion 83 and the LED 9 for each reflection member 10 will be described.

[0047] The diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10A faces the transmissive portion 83A and the LED 9A. When viewed in the up-down direction, the transmissive portion 83A and the LED 9A are included within the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10A.

[0048] The diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10B faces the transmissive portion 83B and the LED 9B. When viewed in the up-down direction, the transmissive portion 83B and the LED 9B are included within the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10B.

[0049] The diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10C faces the transmissive portion 83C and the LED 9C. When viewed in the up-down direction, the transmissive portion 83C and the LED 9C are included within the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10C.

[0050] The diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10D faces the transmissive portion 83D and the LED 9D. When viewed in the up-down direction, the transmissive portion 83D and the LED 9D are included within the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 101 of the reflection member 10D.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1, showing the case where the LEDs 9 are emitting light.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, when each LED 9 emits light, the reflection member 10 reflects the light of the LED 9 upward. In the up-down direction, the light-blocking detection board 8 is provided between the top plate 3 and the LEDs 9. Therefore, reflected light that travels from the reflection member 10 to the transmissive portion 83 passes through the detection board 8 and reaches the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. However, reflected light that travels from the reflection member 10 to a part other than the transmissive portion 83 is blocked by the detection board 8 and does not reach the top plate 3. This causes light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3. Therefore, by turning on the LEDs 9, the heating cooker 1 can display the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3. Therefore, in the heating cooker 1, the operation button 7A can be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3 by turning on the LED 9A, the operation button 7B can be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3 by turning on the LED 9B, the operation button 7C can be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3 by turning on the LED 9C, and the operation button 7D can be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3 by turning on the LED 9D.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the control system of the heating cooker 1.

[0054] The heating cooker 1 includes a control device 11.

[0055] The control device 11 includes a processor 100 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a memory 110, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected. Each of heating coils 4A to 4C, each of LEDs 9A to 9D, and each of electrodes 81A to 81D are connected to the control device 11. Note that devices other than those shown in FIG. 6 may also be connected to the control device 11.

[0056] The memory 110 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The memory 110 stores a control program 111 and other data processed by the processor 100. The memory 110 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 110 may include a volatile storage area and may form a work area for the processor 100. The memory 110 is configured with, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0057] The control program 111 is a program executed by the processor 100.[1-2. Operation]

[0058] Next, the operation of the control device 11 will be described.

[0059] The control device 11 controls supply of electricity to the heating coil 4 with the processor 100 reading and executing the control program 111. Thereby, the control device 11 starts or stops heating of the cooking vessel TY, and controls the heat power of the heating coil 4.

[0060] The control device 11 also turns the LEDs 9 on and off with the processor 100 reading and executing the control program 111. The control device 11 can turn each LED 9 on and off independently. As a result, the control device 11 can display only the operable operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3, in accordance with the operation sequence of the operation buttons 7, the heating status of the heating coil 4, etc.[1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0061] As described above, the heating cooker 1 has operation areas 6 that accept touch operations, and includes a top plate 3 on which a cooking vessel TY is placed. The heating cooker 1 also includes the LEDs 9 that are provided below the top plate 3 facing the operation areas 6 and emit light downward. The heating cooker 1 also includes the reflection members 10 that are provided below the top plate 3 facing the operation areas 6 and reflect the light of the LEDs 9 upward. The heating cooker 1 includes the transmissive portions 83, each of which is provided between the top plate 3 and the LED 9 and faces the operation area 6, and transmits light reflected from the reflection member 10 into the operation area 6 in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7.

[0062] As a result, the heating cooker 1 displays the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3 using light reflected from the reflection members 10, without using a light guide plate of transparent resin. This eliminates the need to reserve space for arranging a light guide plate, and alleviates constraints on the design of the configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7. Furthermore, in the heating cooker 1, color and brightness of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed on the top plate 3 are unlikely to change compared to a configuration using a light guide plate of transparent resin. This makes it possible to provide a heating cooker 1 in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7 is high and color and brightness of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed on the top plate 3 is unlikely to change.

[0063] Furthermore, in a configuration using a light guide plate of transparent resin, components are required to prevent the light emitted by one light guide plate from causing other light guide plates to emit the light, and the light guide plates are often configured with multiple components, resulting in a large number of components. However, the heating cooker 1 of the present disclosure does not use a light guide plate of transparent resin. Therefore, a heating cooker 1 with a small number of components can be provided, and the cost of the heating cooker 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, the small number of components reduces the assembly labor required for the heating cooker 1.

[0064] The heating cooker 1 includes detection boards 8 that detect touch operations on the operation areas 6. Each detection board 8 is a light-blocking board and is provided between the top plate 3 and the LEDs 9, facing the operation area 6. The detection board 8 has through-holes, each of which has a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7, formed as transmissive portions 83.

[0065] This makes it possible to utilize each detection board 8, which detects touch operations on the operation area 6, to display the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3. This eliminates the need to provide new, dedicated components or materials for displaying the patterns of the operation buttons 7. This makes it possible to provide a heating cooker 1 in which color and brightness of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed on the top plate 3 are unlikely to change, while preventing increase of the number of components.

[0066] Each reflection member 10 has a diffuse reflection surface 101 to diffusely reflect the light of the LED 9.

[0067] This makes it possible to prevent the light reflected from the reflection members 10 from being unevenly distributed in the direction of travel, thereby preventing uneven color and uneven brightness in the operation buttons 7 displayed on the top plate 3.(Embodiment 2)

[0068] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0069] In this description of Embodiment 2, differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described. Furthermore, in the description of Embodiment 2, components of the heating cooker 1 that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and characters, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.[2-1. Configuration]

[0070] Compared to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 differs in the configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7.

[0071] Next, with reference to FIGS 7 to 10, a configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Note that while FIGS 7 and 10 show vertical cross-sectional views of the operation area 6A, the heating cooker 1 also has the configuration shown in FIGS 7 to 10 for the operation areas 6B and 6C.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. Note that the three axes X, Y, and Z shown in FIG. 7 are the same as those in FIG. 1, etc.

[0073] In Embodiment 2, the patterns of the operation buttons 7 are printed using a light-transmitting material on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 facing the operation areas 6, and a light-blocking material is printed in parts other than the patterns of the operation buttons 7. As a result, in Embodiment 2, four transmissive portions 13 are formed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 facing the operation area 6. Like the transmissive portions 83, the transmissive portions 13 transmit light reflected from the reflection members 16 to the top plate 3 in shapes corresponding to the patterns of the operation buttons 7.

[0074] The transmissive portions 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are formed side-by-side in the left-right direction on the lower surface 3B. The transmissive portion 13A transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7A. The transmissive portion 13B transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7B. The transmissive portion 13C transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7C. The transmissive portion 13D transmits reflected light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation button 7D.

[0075] The heating cooker 1 in Embodiment 2 includes a detection board 14, eight LEDs 15, LEDs 15A to 15H, and four reflection members 16, 16A to 16D, for each operation area 6.

[0076] Each LED 15 is an example of a "light source".

[0077] The detection board 14 will be described with reference to FIGS 7 and 8. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the detection board 14 as viewed from the lower surface 14B side. Note that the three axes X, Y, and Z shown in FIG. 8 are the same as those in FIG. 1, etc.

[0078] The detection board 14 is a board that detects touch operations on the operation area 6 and is a long-shaped, light-blocking board. The detection board 14 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. More specifically, the detection board 14 is provided so that the upper surface 14A of the detection board 14 is in contact with the material printed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3. The detection board 14 is provided so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1.

[0079] Four electrodes 141, 141A, 141B, 141C, and 141D, are provided on the upper surface 14A of the detection board 14 and provided side-by-side in the longitudinal direction. Each of the electrodes 141 is a capacitive touch sensor, and is connected to a connector 142 provided on the detection board 14. An FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) 12, one end of which is connected to the control device 11, is connected to the connector 142. This causes each signal from the electrodes 141 to be output to the control device 11 via the FFC 12.

[0080] Through-holes 143A to 143D that penetrate through the detection board 14 and electrodes 141 are formed on the detection board 14 side-by-side in the longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, when the through-holes 143A to 143D are not distinguished, each will be referred to as "a through-hole 143" by adding the reference numeral "143". The shape of each of the through-holes 143 is circular when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14. The through-hole 143 is sized so that the entire transmissive portion 13 fits within when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14, and is formed within the plane of electrode 141.

[0081] Describing each of the through-holes 143A to 143D in more detail, the through-hole 143A is formed within the plane of the electrode 141A when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14. The through-hole 143B is formed within the plane of the electrode 141B when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14. The through-hole 143C is formed within the plane of the electrode 141C when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14. The through-hole 143D is formed within the plane of the electrode 141D when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14.

[0082] Returning to the description of FIG. 7, two LEDs 15 are provided for each through-hole 143 on the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14. In detail, the LEDs 15A and 15B are provided in the through-hole 143A, the LEDs 15C and 15D are provided in the through-hole 143B, the LEDs 15E and 15F are provided in the through-hole 143C, and the LEDs 15G and 15H are provided in the through-hole 143D. Note that each LED 15 emits light downward of the detection board 14.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of LEDs 15 in one through-hole 143.

[0084] FIG. 9 shows the through-hole 143 as viewed from the lower surface 14B side of the detection board 14. As shown in FIG. 9, the two LEDs 15 are arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line L passing through the center C of the through-hole 143. In other words, the two LEDs 15 are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line L.

[0085] Each of the reflection members 16 is a member having a curved, concave diffuse reflection surface 161. Each reflection member 16 is provided below the top plate 3, facing the operation area 6. In each reflection member 16, the diffuse reflection surface 161 faces the transmissive portion 13, and the edge 162 of the diffuse reflection surface 161 is in contact with the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14. The diffuse reflection surface 161 is sized so that the entire through-hole 143 fits within the plane when viewed in the concave direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 7). Therefore, each reflection member 16 is provided so that the edge 162 of the diffuse reflection surface 161 is in contact with the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14.

[0086] The relationship between the diffuse reflection surface 161, and the transmissive portion 13 and the LEDs 15 for each reflection member 16 will be described.

[0087] The diffuse reflection surface 161 of the reflection member 16A faces the through-hole 143A, and LEDs 15A and 15B. In the up-down direction, the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 161 includes the through-hole 143A, and the LEDs 15A and 15B.

[0088] The diffuse reflection surface 161 of the reflection member 16B faces the through-hole 143B, and the LEDs 15C and 15D. In the up-down direction, the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 161 includes the through-hole 143B, and the LEDs 15C and 15D.

[0089] The diffuse reflection surface 161 of the reflection member 16C faces the through-hole 143C, and the LEDs 15E and 15F. In the up-down direction, the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 161 includes the through-hole 143C, and the LEDs 15E and 15F.

[0090] The diffuse reflection surface 161 of the reflection member 16D faces the through-hole 143D, and the LEDs 15G and 15H. In the up-down direction, the plane of the diffuse reflection surface 161 includes the through-hole 143D, and the LEDs 15G and 15H.

[0091] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1, showing the case where the LEDs 15 emit light. Note that the three axes X, Y, and Z shown in FIG. 10 are the same as those in FIG. 1, etc.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, when the LEDs 15 emit light, the reflection members 16 reflect the light of LEDs 15 upward. The reflected light from each reflection member 16 passes through the through-hole 143 in the detection board 14 and travels toward the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3. If the reflected light toward the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 travels to the light-blocking material, it is blocked by the light-blocking material, and if the reflected light travels to a light-transmitting material, it travels to the upper surface 3A of the top plate 3. This causes light in a shape corresponding to the pattern of the operation buttons 7 to be displayed in the operation area 6 of the top plate 3. Therefore, by turning on the LEDs 15, the heating cooker 1 can display the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3. Therefore, the heating cooker 1 can display the operation button 7A on the top plate 3 by illuminating the LEDs 15A and 15B, the operation button 7B on the top plate 3 by illuminating the LEDs 15C and 15D, the operation button 7C on the top plate 3 by illuminating the LEDs 15E and 15F, and operation button 7D on the top plate 3 by illuminating the LEDs 15G and 15H.

[0093] Next, a configuration of the control system of the heating cooker 1 in Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0094] The LEDs 15A to 15H are connected to the control device 11 in place of the LEDs 9A to 9D. The electrodes 141A to 141D are connected to the control device 11 in place of the electrodes 81A to 81D.[2-2. Operation]

[0095] Next, the operation of the control device 11 will be described.

[0096] The control device 11 turns the LEDs 15 on and off with the processor 100 reading and executing the control program 111. The control device 11 can turn each LED 15 on and off independently. As a result, the control device 11 can display only the operable operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3, in accordance with the operation sequence of the operation buttons 7, the heating status of the heating coil 4, etc.[2-3. Effects, etc.]

[0097] As described above, the transmissive portion 13 is formed on the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 by printing a light-blocking material and a light-transmitting material.

[0098] This allows the lower surface 3B of the top plate 3 to be utilized to display the operation buttons 7 on the top plate 3.

[0099] The heating cooker 1 includes the detection boards 14 that detects touch operations on the operation areas 6. Each detection board 14 is a light-blocking board and is provided between the top plate 3 and the LEDs 15, facing the operation area 6. The detection board 14 includes through-holes 143 that allow reflected light from the reflection members 16 to be transmitted upward. Each through-hole 143 is formed to a size that allows the entire transmissive portion 13 to fit within when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14, and faces the transmissive portion 13. Multiple LEDs 15 are provided for each through-hole 143 on the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14.

[0100] This allows the multiple LEDs 15 to be provided for each through-hole 143, even in a configuration where it is not possible to provide the LEDs 15 facing the transmissive portion 13 on the lower surface 14B of the detection board 14, thereby preventing uneven color and brightness in the operation buttons 7 displayed on the top plate 3.

[0101] The shape of each through-hole 143 is circular. The LEDs 15 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line L that passes through the center C of the through-hole 143.

[0102] This makes it possible to further prevent color and brightness unevenness in the operation buttons 7 displayed on the top plate 3.(Other Embodiments)

[0103] As described above, Embodiments 1 and 2 are described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, or the like are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the individual components described in the above Embodiments 1 and 2 to form new embodiments. Then, other embodiments will be illustrated below.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the case has been illustrated in which the diffuse reflection surfaces 101 and 161 are curved, concave surfaces. However, the diffuse reflection surfaces 101 and 161 only need to be any recessed surfaces and are not limited to curved surfaces. For example, the diffuse reflection surfaces 101 and 161 may be configured with an inner bottom surface and inner side surfaces. Note that in this case, the inner bottom surface is flat, and the inner bottom surface and inner side surfaces are connected by rounded corners.

[0105] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the edge 102 of each diffuse reflection surface 101 is in contact with the detection board 8. In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the edge 162 of each diffuse reflection surface 161 is in contact with the detection board 14. In other embodiments, a configuration may be such that the edges 102 and 162 are not in contact with the respective detection boards 8 and 14, and the reflection members 10 and 16 are provided below the respective LEDs 9 and 15.

[0106] In the above-described Embodiment 1, one LED 9 is provided for one transmissive portion 83. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 1, multiple LEDs 9 may be provided for one transmissive portion 83. In this configuration, the multiple LEDs 9 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a predetermined position of the transmissive portion 83.

[0107] In the above-described Embodiment 2, two LEDs 15 are provided for one through-hole 143. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 2, three or more LEDs 15 may be provided for one through-hole 143, or only one LED 15 may be provided for one through-hole 143.

[0108] In the above-described Embodiment 2, the case has been illustrated in which the shape of each through-hole 143 is circular. In other embodiments, the shape of the through-hole 143 may be other shapes such as triangular, rectangular, or oval. In this case, the LEDs 15 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a predetermined point (center of gravity or center) of the through-hole 143 when viewed in the thickness direction of the detection board 14.

[0109] In the above-described Embodiment 2, two LEDs 15 are arranged symmetrically for one through-hole 143. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 2, the two LEDs 15 do not need to be arranged symmetrically.

[0110] In the above-described Embodiment 1, through-holes that penetrate through the detection board 8 and the electrodes 81 are formed in the detection board 8 as transmissive portions 83. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 1, each transmissive portion 83 formed in the detection board 8 may be a through-hole that penetrates through only the detection board 8. In this other embodiment, the transparent electrode is employed for the electrode 81.

[0111] In the above-described Embodiment 2, the detection board 14 has through-holes 143, each of which penetrates through the detection board 14 and the electrode 141. In other embodiments related to Embodiment 2, each through-hole 143 formed in the detection board 14 may be a through-hole that penetrates only the detection board 14. In this other embodiment, a transparent electrode such as a transparent film is employed for the electrode 141.

[0112] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, a heating cooker 1 including three heating coils 4 has been illustrated. However, the number of heating coils 4 provided in the heating cooker 1 is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more. In this case, the heating cooker 1 has the operation areas 6 on the top plate 3, the number of which is equal to the number of the heating coils 4 provided.

[0113] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, 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 may be three or less, or five or more.

[0114] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the LEDs 9 and 15 are used as examples of the "light sources". In other embodiments, the type of "light source" is not limited to LEDs.

[0115] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the cooking vessel TY is used as an example of the "object to be heated". However, the "object to be heated" is not limited to the cooking vessel TY, and may be any object that can be heated while placed on the top plate 3.

[0116] In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the heating cooker 1 of induction heating is exemplified as the "heating cooker". However, the heat source of the "heating cooker" is not limited to the heating coil 4, and may also be a halogen heater, radiant heater, gas heater, etc.

[0117] The processor 100 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The processor 100 may also be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. In other words, the processor 100 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0118] Note that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.(Supplementary notes)

[0119] The following technology is disclosed based on the description of the above embodiments.(Technique 1)

[0120] A heating cooker including: a top plate, on which an object to be heated is placed, having an operation area that accepts a touch operation; a light source, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to emit light downward; a reflection member, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to reflect light of the light source upward; and a transmissive portion, provided between the top plate and the light source and facing the operation area, configured to allow reflected light from the reflection member to be transmitted to the operation area, in a shape corresponding to a pattern of an operation button.

[0121] This causes the heating cooker to display the operation buttons on the top plate using light reflected from the reflection member, without using a light guide plate of transparent resin. This eliminates the need to reserve space for arranging a light guide plate, and alleviates constraints on the design of the configuration related to display of the operation buttons. Furthermore, in the heating cooker, color and brightness of the operation buttons to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change compared to a configuration using a light guide plate of transparent resin. This makes it possible to provide a heating cooker in which a degree of layout freedom for a configuration related to display of the operation button is high and color and brightness of the operation button to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change.(Technique 2)

[0122] The heating cooker according to Technique 1, further including a detection board configured to detect a touch operation on the operation area, wherein the detection board is a light-blocking board, and is provided, facing the operation area, between the top plate and the light source, and the detection board has a through-hole formed as the transmissive portion, the through-hole having a shape corresponding to a pattern of the operation button.

[0123] This makes it possible to utilize the detection board, which detects touch operations on the operation areas, to display the operation buttons on the top plate. This eliminates the need to provide new, dedicated components or materials for displaying the patterns of the operation buttons. This makes it possible to provide a heating cooker in which color and brightness of the operation buttons to be displayed on the top plate are unlikely to change, while preventing increase of the number of components.(Technique 3)

[0124] The heating cooker according to Technique 1, wherein the transmissive portion is formed on a lower surface of the top plate by printing a light-blocking material and a light-transmitting material.

[0125] This allows the lower surface of the top plate to be utilized to display the operation buttons on the top plate.(Technique 4)

[0126] The heating cooker according to Technique 3, further including a detection board configured to detect a touch operation on the operation area, wherein the detection board is a light-blocking board, and is provided, facing the operation area, between the top plate and the light source, the detection board has a through-hole that transmits light reflected from the reflection member upward, the through-hole is sized so that the entire transmissive portion fits within the through-hole when viewed in a thickness direction of the detection board, and faces the transmissive portion, and a plurality of the light sources is provided for the one through-hole on a lower surface of the detection board.

[0127] This allows a plurality of light sources to be provided for each through-hole, even in a configuration where it is not possible to provide light sources facing the transmissive portion on the lower surface of the detection board, thereby preventing uneven color and brightness in the operation buttons displayed on the top plate.(Technique 5)

[0128] The heating cooker according to Technique 4, wherein a shape of the through-hole is circular, and the plurality of the light sources is symmetrically arranged with respect to an imaginary line passing through a center of the through-hole when viewed in a thickness direction of the detection board.

[0129] This makes it possible to further prevent color and brightness unevenness in the operation buttons displayed on the top plate.(Technique 6)

[0130] The heating cooker according to any one of Techniques 1 to 5, wherein the reflection member has a diffuse reflection surface that diffusely reflects light of the light source.

[0131] This makes it possible to prevent the light reflected from the reflection member from being unevenly distributed in the direction of travel, thereby preventing uneven color and uneven brightness in the operation buttons displayed on the top plate.(Technique 7)

[0132] The heating cooker according to any one of Techniques 1 to 6, wherein the reflection member is provided below the light source.

[0133] This causes the reflection members to be provided below the light source, so that the reflection member can reflect the light of the light source using the reflection surface widely. This allows the reflection member to reflect light of the light source in a wide range, preventing uneven color and brightness in the operation buttons displayed on the top plate.Industrial Applicability

[0134] As described above, the heating cooker according to the present invention can be used for applications to display operation buttons on the top plate.Reference Signs List

[0135] 1 heating cooker 2 housing 3 top plate 3A, 8A, 14A upper surface 3B, 8B, 14B lower surface 4, 4A to 4C heating coil 6, 6A to 6C operation area 7, 7A to 7D operation button 8, 14 detection board 9, 9A to 9D, 15, 15A to 15H LED (light source) 10, 10A to 10D, 16, 16A to 16D reflection member 11 control device 12 FFC 13, 13A to 13D, 83, 83A to 83D transmissive portion 81, 81A to 81D, 141, 141A to 141D electrode 82, 142 connector 100 processor 101, 161 diffuse reflection surface 102, 162 edge 110 memory 111 control program 143, 143A to 143D through-hole C center L imaginary line T cooking object TY cooking vessel (object to be heated)

Examples

embodiment 1

(Embodiment 1)

[1-1. Configuration]

[0013]Embodiment 1 will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014]FIGS. 1 to 5 each illustrate an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually perpendicular. The Z-axis indicates the up-down direction and corresponds to the height direction of a heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The X-axis indicates the left-right direction of the heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The Y-axis indicates the front-rear direction of the heating cooker 1 in the installed state. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the rightward direction. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the forward direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction.

[1-1-1. Configuration of Heating Cooker]

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the heating cooker 1.

[0016]The heating cooker 1 is a cooker that heats a cooking vessel TY that contains a cooking object T.

[0017]The cooking vessel TY is an...

embodiment 2

(Embodiment 2)

[0068]Next, Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0069]In this description of Embodiment 2, differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described. Furthermore, in the description of Embodiment 2, components of the heating cooker 1 that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and characters, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[2-1. Configuration]

[0070]Compared to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 differs in the configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7.

[0071]Next, with reference to FIGS 7 to 10, a configuration related to display of the operation buttons 7 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Note that while FIGS 7 and 10 show vertical cross-sectional views of the operation area 6A, the heating cooker 1 also has the configuration shown in FIGS 7 to 10 for the operation areas 6B and 6C.

[0072]FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. Note that the three axes X, Y, and...

Claims

1. A heating cooker (1) <b>characterized by comprising: a top plate (3), on which an object to be heated is placed, having an operation area that accepts a touch operation; a light source, provided below the top plate and facing the operation area (6), configured to emit light downward; a reflection member (10, 16), provided below the top plate and facing the operation area, configured to reflect light of the light source upward; and a transmissive portion (13, 83), provided between the top plate and the light source and facing the operation area, configured to allow reflected light from the reflection member to be transmitted to the operation area, in a shape corresponding to a pattern of an operation button.

2. The heating cooker according to claim 1, further comprising a detection board (8, 14) configured to detect a touch operation on the operation area, wherein the detection board is a light-blocking board, and is provided, facing the operation area, between the top plate and the light source, and the detection board has a through-hole (143) formed as the transmissive portion, the through-hole having a shape corresponding to a pattern of the operation button.

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

4. The heating cooker according to claim 3, further comprising a detection board (8, 14) configured to detect a touch operation on the operation area, wherein the detection board is a light-blocking board, and is provided, facing the operation area, between the top plate and the light source, the detection board has a through-hole that transmits light reflected from the reflection member upward, the through-hole is sized so that the entire transmissive portion fits within the through-hole when viewed in a thickness direction of the detection board, and faces the transmissive portion, and a plurality of the light sources is provided for the one through-hole on a lower surface (3B, 8B, 14B) of the detection board.

5. The heating cooker according to claim 4, wherein a shape of the through-hole is circular, and the plurality of the light sources is symmetrically arranged with respect to an imaginary line (L) passing through a center (C) of the through-hole when viewed in a thickness direction of the detection board.

6. The heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reflection member has a diffuse reflection surface (161) that diffusely reflects light of the light source.

7. The heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reflection member is provided below the light source.

Images