Controller cover of electromagnetic cooker

Abstract

To prevent smudging without affecting operability or visibility of a controller of an electromagnetic cooker.SOLUTION: A controller cover 10 which covers a controller has a top plate 11, a front plate 12, left and right lateral plates 13, and a flange 14, and its rear face is open. The controller cover 10 is transparent or translucent and makes an operation button and display visible while covering the controller. Moreover, the controller cover has elasticity and allows the operation button to be pressed with the top plate 11, while covering the controller. Broth and other substances which scatter towards the controller adhere to the controller cover 10, thus preventing the controller from smudging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover for covering an operating part of an electromagnetic range and preventing the operating part from getting dirty. [Background technology]

[0002] Electromagnetic cookers (IH cookers), which use induction heating to heat the bottom of pots and pans and cook food, have become widespread. When cooking, liquid from a pot or other cooking fluid may splash onto the top plate of the induction cooker, so as described in Patent Document 1, a mat is placed in the area including the induction heating section of the top plate (the area where the pot is placed).

[0003] When cooking with a pot or other pot placed on this mat, even if the broth boils over or splashes nearby, the mat will catch it, preventing the top plate of the induction cooker from getting dirty to a certain extent. This type of mat is made of a material having extremely high heat resistance since it covers the induction heating portion, and such a material is usually opaque. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-140887 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, in front of the induction heating section of the top plate, there is a section where the operation section of the electromagnetic cooker, i.e., the operation buttons and the display that shows the operation results, etc., are integrated, and if the broth splashes a long distance, it will adhere to this operation section and get dirty. On the other hand, since the above-mentioned mats are opaque, if the operating section is covered with such a mat, although it can prevent dirt from being generated, it is useless because the operating buttons and the display cannot be seen. Of course, if the mat is hard, it is not possible to operate the operation buttons with the operation unit covered with the mat.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent the operation part of an electromagnetic range from becoming dirty without affecting the operability or visibility of the operation part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors have devised a cover for the operation part of an induction cooker that is shaped so as to be able to cover the operation part of the induction cooker, including the operation buttons and the display, with the walls being transparent or translucent so that the operation buttons and the display can be seen when the operation part is covered, and with the walls being elastic so that the operation buttons can be operated via the walls when the operation part is covered.

[0008] With this configuration, the operating section is covered by the operating section cover, so that even if the broth splashes or the like, it is prevented from adhering to the operating section, and the operating section does not become dirty. Since the cover for the operation unit is transparent or translucent, the operation buttons and the like can be seen through the cover even when the operation unit is covered, so that there is no hindrance in checking the position of the operation buttons or the display contents. Since the operation unit cover has elasticity, it can be operated by pressing the operation button with the cover on, and button operation is not hindered.

[0009] In the operating unit cover of the invention, it is preferable that the wall portion has a top plate, a front plate hanging down from the front edge of the top plate, left and right side plates hanging down respectively from the left and right edges of the top plate, and flanges extending from the front plate to the lower edges of the side plates, and that the rear surface is open.

[0010] When configured in this manner, the top plate is close to or abuts the operating unit, the front plate and side plate span the step formed at the outer edge of the induction cooker top plate and its boundary with the kitchen top plate, and the flange abuts against the kitchen top plate, so that the cover for the operating unit can be installed in a state where it covers the operating unit with almost no gaps.

[0011] In the operation unit cover according to the present invention, a configuration can be adopted in which a rib capable of coming into contact with the operation unit when the operation unit is covered is formed on the rear surface of the top plate.

[0012] With this configuration, the underside of the tabletop is raised above the surface of the operating section, so that the underside of the tabletop is in close contact with the surface of the operating section, preventing minute air bubbles from getting in between the underside and adversely affecting visibility of the operating section.

[0013] In this case, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of ribs are arranged in parallel along the short side direction of the table top, and each of the ribs extends along the long side direction of the table top.

[0014] With this configuration, the tabletop is supported in a state raised above the surface of the operating unit by the multiple parallel ribs, making it possible to more reliably prevent the back surface of the tabletop from sticking closely to the operating unit. Since the ribs extend along the longitudinal direction of the tabletop, the bending strength of the tabletop in the longitudinal direction is reinforced.

[0015] In the operating unit cover according to the present invention, the top plate, front plate, side plates and flanges may have a glossy surface and a matte surface on the front and back surfaces. Here, a glossy surface refers to a surface that can be visually observed by a person skilled in the art to be glossy. The arithmetic mean height (Sa) of the surface according to ISO 25178 is roughly between 0.05 μm and 0.15 μm, and the maximum height (Sz) of the surface is roughly between 2.0 μm and 7.0 μm. A matte surface refers to a surface that appears matte to the naked eye of a person skilled in the art, and the arithmetic mean height (Sa) of the surface is approximately 1.0 μm to 1.5 μm, and the maximum height (Sz) of the surface is approximately 17.0 μm to 20.0 μm.

[0016] By configuring it in this manner, the areas of the cover for the operating unit that have a high degree of adhesion to the operating unit (glossy surfaces) and areas that have a low degree of adhesion (matte surfaces) can be appropriately adjusted, and the visibility of the operating unit can be appropriately adjusted, thereby improving convenience.

[0017] In the cover for an operating unit according to the present invention, the arrangement of the glossy surface and the matte surface may be variously considered, but for example, it is preferable that the rear surface of the top plate is mainly a matte surface.

[0018] If the underside of the tabletop is glossy, that part will adhere more easily to the surface of the controls, but if the glossy surface is applied over a large area, some parts will adhere (air vented) and some will not (air not vented), resulting in a mottled pattern. This will look very bad and reduce the visibility of the controls. By making the underside of the tabletop a matte surface, contact with the operating part on the underside is like point contact due to minute irregularities on the rough surface, so the aforementioned spotty pattern does not occur and the visibility of the operating part is improved compared to when the underside of the tabletop is a glossy surface.

[0019] Furthermore, when the underside of the top plate is arranged to have a mixture of glossy and matte surfaces, it is preferable that the front surface of the top plate is mainly glossy.

[0020] With this configuration, the entire surface is glossy, making it highly transparent, making it easier to see the operation buttons and display of the operation unit, and also making it less likely for fingers to slip when trying to operate the operation buttons, improving operability.

[0021] In the operation unit cover according to the present invention, it is particularly preferable that the surface of the top plate has a glossy central portion and a matte outer edge portion.

[0022] With this configuration, the central part of the surface is glossy, making it highly transparent and making it easier to see the operation buttons and display of the operation section, while fingers are less likely to slip when trying to operate the operation buttons, maintaining the effect of improved operability. On the other hand, if the outer edge of the front surface is made glossy, and the reverse surface is also made glossy, then any unsightly condition caused by air bubbles getting in between the operating unit and the reverse surface of the top plate will be directly reflected on the front surface. However, if the outer edge of the front surface is made matte, the front surface will have a matte finish, making any unsightly condition on the reverse surface less visible, and thus reducing the deterioration of the design.

[0023] In the cover for the operating unit according to the invention, it is particularly preferable that the underside of the top plate has a matte surface in the center, a matte passage extending from the matte surface in the center to the left and right edges of the top plate along its outer edge, and the remainder being a glossy surface.

[0024] With this configuration, the central part of the back surface is matte, so it is difficult for it to adhere to the surface of the operation unit, and it is possible to prevent air bubbles from getting between the operation unit and the back surface of the top plate, which would occur with a glossy surface, and thus prevent adverse effects on visibility. Even if air bubbles get in between, they are able to escape through the matte passages on the outer edge, further preventing the air bubbles from becoming trapped and interfering with visibility of the operation unit. Since the outer edge of the back surface is mostly glossy except for the matte passage, this part adheres easily to the operation unit and prevents the operation unit cover from shifting. Since the outer edge of the back surface is not in a position that overlaps with the operation buttons or display of the operation unit, even if air bubbles get in, it does not affect the visibility of these.

[0025] The operating unit cover according to the present invention is preferably entirely made of a material that has a certain degree of transparency, heat resistance, and flexibility, and is more preferably made of silicone resin.

[0026] By configuring it in this manner, it is possible to relatively inexpensively configure the entire cover for the operation unit to be transparent or translucent so that the operation buttons and display can be seen when the operation unit is covered, and to be elastic so that the operation buttons can be pressed when the operation unit is covered. Effect of the Invention

[0027] Since the cover for the operating part according to the present invention is constructed as described above, it is possible to prevent the operating part of the induction cooker from becoming dirty without affecting the operability or visibility of the operating part. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] A plan view of the operation part of the induction cooker with the operation part cover placed on it. [Diagram 2] Overall perspective view of the cover for the operation unit as seen from the front [Diagram 3] Partially enlarged perspective view of the cover for the operation unit as viewed from the front [Figure 4] (a) is an overall perspective view of the operation unit cover from the back side, and (b) is a partially enlarged perspective view. [Diagram 5] 10A and 10B show another example of the cover for the operation unit, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a bottom view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The cover 10 for the operation unit of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 is used by covering the operation unit O of the electromagnetic cooker, which is composed of an integrated operation button B and display D and is provided on the top plate of the electromagnetic cooker, closer to the user than the induction heating units T1 to T3 that heat pots, frying pans, etc., as shown in Figure 1, to prevent the operation unit O from becoming dirty with broth, etc.

[0030] The cover 10 for the operation unit is transparent or semi-transparent, and when it is placed over the operation unit O as shown in FIG. 1, the operation buttons B and the display D can be clearly seen. Moreover, the cover 10 for the operation unit has a so-called rubber-like elasticity, and the operation button B can be operated by pressing it through the cover 10 (via the cover 10).

[0031] The material of the operating unit cover 10 is not particularly limited as long as it has such transparency or translucency and rubber-like elasticity, but considering cost, heat resistance, etc., it is preferable that it be made of silicone resin. The thickness of the operation unit cover 10 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. If the thickness is less than 0.5 mm, the strength may be inferior and the product may be more susceptible to breakage, and if the thickness exceeds 1.5 mm, the transparency may be reduced, affecting visibility, and the flexibility may be reduced, affecting operability when pressing the operation button B together with the operation unit cover 10.

[0032] 2 to 4, the operation unit cover 10 includes a top plate 11, a front plate 12 hanging down from the front edge of the top plate 11, and left and right side plates 13 hanging down from the left and right edges of the top plate 11, respectively. The operation unit cover 10 has an entirely open rear surface, and flanges 14 are attached from the lower edge of the front plate 12 to the lower edges of the left and right side plates 13 .

[0033] The top plate 11 has a horizontally elongated rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction, and while its front surface is flat, its rear surface has ribs attached thereto as shown in FIG. The number and positions of the ribs are not particularly limited, but in the figure, the top plate 11 comprises horizontal ribs 11a extending in the longitudinal direction and vertical ribs 11b extending in the lateral direction. A plurality of horizontal ribs 11a are arranged in parallel in the short side direction (front-rear direction) of the top plate 11, and reach the left and right edges of the top plate 11, respectively. A plurality of vertical ribs 11b are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop, and each of them does not intersect with the horizontal ribs 11a, but terminates between adjacent horizontal ribs 11a.

[0034] When the operation unit cover 10 is placed over the operation unit O, the top plate 11 covers almost the entire surface of the operation unit O (the surface on the front side of the top plate T), and its horizontal ribs 11a and vertical ribs 11b abut against the surface of the operation unit O. The top plate 11 has horizontal ribs 11a and the like, so that the back surface of the top plate 11 does not come into close contact with the surface of the operation unit O, and is slightly raised above the operation unit O. Therefore, compared to when the top plate 11 is in close contact with the surface of the operation unit O, minute air bubbles do not remain in the gap, and adverse effects on visibility are prevented.

[0035] The dimensions of the top plate 11 are not particularly limited, but examples include a left-right length of 500 mm to 800 mm and a front-to-back length of 80 mm to 120 mm. Since the size of a typical built-in type electromagnetic range is 600 mm to 750 mm, the size should be such that the operating part of such an electromagnetic range can be covered. If the left-to-right length is less than 500 mm or the front-to-back length is less than 80 mm, there is a risk that the dimensions will be insufficient to cover the control part O of a typical induction cooker. If the left-right length exceeds 800 mm or the front-to-back length exceeds 120 mm, there is a risk that the excess will be in the way when it is placed over the control part O of a typical induction cooker. In particular, if the front-to-back length is excessive, it will also cover the induction heating part of the induction cooker, which may cause the induction cooker to malfunction.

[0036] The front plate 12 is elongated in the left-right direction of the cover 10 for the operation unit, and the left and right side plates 13 are elongated in the front-rear direction of the cover 10 for the operation unit, and each has a rectangular shape. The left and right edges of the front plate 12 and the front edges of the left and right side plates 13 are connected together in a rounded state. The front panel 12 and the side panels 13 do not have ribs or the like, and both the front and back surfaces are flat. As shown in FIG. 3, a step T4 of a few millimeters in height is formed on the outer edge of the top plate T of the induction cooker (the boundary with the kitchen top plate), and when the operation unit cover 10 is placed over the operation unit O, the front panel 12 and the side panel 13 straddle this step T4.

[0037] The width (vertical height) of the strips of the front panel 12 and the side panel 13 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 8 mm to 12 mm. If the height is less than 8 mm, it will not be possible to straddle the step T4, and there is a risk that the flange 14 will not make contact with the kitchen top plate and will end up floating up. Furthermore, if the height exceeds 12 mm, the top panel 11 will be excessively raised, causing a distance from the surface of the operation unit O to increase, which may adversely affect the visibility and operability of the operation buttons B and display D.

[0038] The flange 14 is integrally provided and connected from the lower edge of the front plate 12 to the lower edges of the left and right side plates 13 . The flange 14 does not have any ribs or the like attached thereto, and both the front and back surfaces are flat. With the operation unit cover 10 placed over the operation unit O, the flange 14 is grounded to a kitchen top plate located outside the top plate T of the induction range.

[0039] The width of the flange is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, from 8 mm to 12 mm. If the width is less than 8 mm, the operation unit cover 10 may not be supported properly, and if the width exceeds 12 mm, the width may be excessive and bulky.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows another example of the operation unit cover 10 according to the embodiment. In this example, the back surface of the top plate 11 of the cover 10 for the operation unit is not provided with ribs 11a, 11b and is formed flat. Instead, glossy surfaces 21 and matte surfaces 22 are formed on the front and back surfaces of the front panel 12, the side panel 13, and the flange 14. Note that the arrangement of the glossy surfaces 21 and the matte surfaces 22 in this example is merely an example, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5( a ), the surface of the top plate 11 has a glossy surface 21 at the center of its horizontally elongated rectangle, and a matte surface 22 at the outer edge of the square ring. The central portion of the operation unit O facing the operation buttons B and display D is made of glossy surface 21, which is highly transparent, making it easy to see these operation buttons B and display D. In addition, it is easy for fingers to catch, which prevents the fingers from slipping out of the operation unit cover 10 when trying to operate the operation button B, improving operability. Furthermore, although the glossy surface 21 improves adhesion, the surface of the top plate 11 does not adhere to other articles, leaving no room for air bubbles to get in. In addition, since the outer edge is matte surface 22, the portion on the back side where air bubbles have entered, which will be described later, is less visible, thereby reducing deterioration of the design. Although the visibility of the matte surface 22 is reduced compared to the central portion, since the matte surface 22 is not located in a position overlapping with the operation buttons B or the display D, the visibility of these is not affected.

[0042] The dimensions of the center of the horizontally long rectangle on the surface of the tabletop 11 are not particularly limited, but the left-right length is, for example, 400 mm to 700 mm, and the front-to-back length is, for example, 60 mm to 100 mm. If the left-right length is less than 400 mm, or the front-to-back length is less than 60 mm, the glossy surface 21 becomes too small, which may affect the visibility of the operation buttons B and the display D. If the left-right length exceeds 700 mm or the front-to-back length exceeds 100 mm, there will be little room to form the matte surface 22 of the outer edge, which may affect the operability of the operating unit O.

[0043] As shown in the figure, the entire surface of the flange 14 is a matte surface 22, and although not shown in the figure, the entire surface of the top panel 11 from the outer edge to the flange 14, i.e., the front panel 12 and the side panel 13, are also matte surfaces 22.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the rear surface of the top plate 11 has a matte surface 22 in the center of its horizontally elongated rectangle, and a glossy surface 21 on the outer edge of the square shape with some exceptions. As an exception to the outer edge, there are matte passages 22a extending from the matte surface 22 in the center to the left and right edges of the top plate 11. A total of four matting passages 22a are provided, two on each side of the outer edge, arranged in parallel in the front and rear direction.

[0045] Since the center of the back surface is a matte surface 22, it is difficult for the cover to adhere to the surface of the operation part O, and this prevents air bubbles from getting in between the cover and the operation part O, thereby preventing adverse effects on visibility. Even if air bubbles get in, they can escape through the matte passages 22a at the outer edge, further preventing air bubbles from remaining and interfering with visibility of the operation unit. Most of the outer edge of the back surface is made of the glossy surface 21 except for the matte passage 22a, so that the cover 10 for the operation unit easily adheres to the operation unit O and is prevented from shifting. In addition, since the outer edge of the back surface is not positioned to overlap the operation buttons B or the display D of the operation unit O, even if air bubbles get in, the visibility of these will not be affected.

[0046] The dimensions of the central portion of the horizontally long rectangle on the rear surface of the tabletop 11 are not particularly limited, but the left-right length is, for example, 400 mm to 700 mm, and the front-to-back length is, for example, 60 mm to 100 mm. If the left-right length is less than 400 mm or the front-to-back length is less than 60 mm, the matte surface 22 becomes too small, and the glossy surface 21 on the outer edge comes into close contact with the operating part O, which may affect the visibility of the operating buttons B and the display D. If the left-right length exceeds 700 mm or the front-to-back length exceeds 100 mm, there will be less room to form the glossy surface 21 of the outer edge, which will reduce the adhesion of the operation unit cover 10 to the operation unit O, and there is a risk of it slipping or moving. The number and dimensions of the matte passages 22a are not particularly limited, but the width can be, for example, 8 mm to 12 mm. If the width is less than 8 mm, there is a risk that air bubbles will not be removed properly, and if the width exceeds 12 mm, the area of ​​the glossy surface 21 on the outer edge will become smaller, which may affect adhesion.

[0047] As shown in the figure, the entire back surface of the flange 14 is a glossy surface 21, and although it is not shown in the figure, the entire back surface of the front panel 12 and side panel 13 from the outer edge of the top panel 11 to the flange 14, i.e., the entire back surface of the front panel 12 and side panel 13, are also glossy surface 21. EXAMPLES

[0048] The present invention will be more clearly understood by way of examples below. As the operation unit covers of Examples 1 to 4, as shown in FIG. 4, covers each consisting of a top plate 11, a front plate 12, a side plate 13, and a flange 14, and each having no ribs 11a, 11b on the back surface of the top plate 11, were prepared. In all the examples, the material was silicone resin, and the dimensions were 1 mm thick, 600 mm x 110 mm for the top plate, 600 mm x 9 mm for the front plate, 110 mm x 9 mm for the side plates, and 9 mm for the flange width. The properties of the front and back surfaces of the operation unit covers of Examples 1 to 4 were adjusted to a glossy surface or a matte surface as shown in Table 1.

[0049] [Table 1]

[0050] In Table 1, the glossy surface had an Sa in the range of 0.09 μm to 0.12 μm and an Sz in the range of 2.50 to 6.51 μm, respectively, while the matte surface had an Sa in the range of 1.18 μm to 1.25 μm and an Sz in the range of 17.62 to 19.14 μm, respectively. The specific measurement values ​​are as shown in Table 2 below.

[0051] [Table 2]

[0052] In measuring the surface roughness, the surface irregularities were observed by a laser microscope, using a laser microscope VK-X3000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation, and shape measurement was performed by laser confocal in a rectangular field of view of 1059.68 μm×1413.37 μm. The arithmetic mean height Sa of the surface and the maximum height Sz of the surface were measured for the obtained observation results using the VK-X3000 multi-file analysis application manufactured by Keyence Corporation. First, the obtained shape data was subjected to surface shape correction to remove waviness with a cutoff value of 0.08 mm, then height cut level correction was performed with a cut level of 75 to remove noise components of laser light reflection, and finally the height equivalent to the average unevenness of the obtained corrected image was set as the reference surface. The arithmetic mean height Sa of the surface and the maximum height Sz of the surface were measured using the VK-X3000 multi-file analysis application manufactured by Keyence Corporation in accordance with ISO 25178. Measurements were taken at three randomly selected locations on both the glossy and matte surfaces.

[0053] The operation unit covers of Examples 1 to 4 were evaluated for ease of installation on the operation unit and visibility when placed over the operation unit. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0054] [Table 3]

[0055] The embodiments and examples disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications and alterations within the scope and equivalent meanings.

[0056] The shape of the cover 10 for the operating unit is not limited as long as it can cover the operating unit O of the induction cooker to prevent broth and the like from adhering to it. For example, the cover 10 may have a curved, dome-like shape without any partition between the top plate 11, front plate 12, side plate 13, etc., and may have a flange 14 attached to its lower edge. In the cover 10 for the operation unit, the ribs 11a, 11b, the glossy surface 21, and the matte surface 22 may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10 Operation unit cover 11 Tabletop 11a Horizontal rib 11b Vertical rib 12 Front panel 13 Side Panel 14 Flange 21 Shiny Surface 22 Matte surface 22a Matte Passage T Induction cooker top plate T1 to T3 induction heating section T4 step O Induction cooker control panel B Operation buttons D Display

Claims

1. It is designed to be able to cover the operation part of the induction cooker, including the operation buttons and the display, which are located in front of the induction heating part on the top plate of the induction cooker. The wall portion is transparent or semi-transparent, and the operation buttons and the display are visible when the wall portion is covered with the operation portion; A cover for an operation part of an induction cooker, wherein the wall part has elasticity and the operation button can be operated through the wall part while covering the operation part.

2. The wall portion is The top plate and A front panel that hangs down from a front edge of the top panel; Left and right side panels respectively hanging down from the left and right edges of the top panel; a flange extending from the front panel to a lower edge of the side panel; 2. The cover for an operating part of an induction cooker according to claim 1, wherein the rear surface is open.

3. On the back of the top plate, With the operation unit covered, 3. The cover for an operating part of an electromagnetic range according to claim 1, further comprising a rib capable of coming into contact with the operating part.

4. 4. The cover for an operating part of an electromagnetic range according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of said ribs are arranged in parallel along a short side direction of said top plate and each of said ribs extends along a long side direction of said top plate.

5. 3. The cover for an operating part of an electromagnetic range according to claim 2, wherein the top plate, the front plate, the side plates and the flange have a glossy surface and a matte surface on the front and back surfaces thereof.

6. 6. The cover for an operating part of an electromagnetic range according to claim 5, wherein the surface of the top plate is a glossy surface at its center and a matte surface at its outer edge.

7. A cover for an operating part of an induction cooker as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the back surface of the top plate has a matte surface in the center, a matte passage extending from the matte surface in the center to the left and right edges of the top plate in the outer edge, and the remaining part is a glossy surface.

8. 3. The cover for an operating part of an electromagnetic range according to claim 1, wherein the cover for the operating part is entirely made of silicone resin.

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