Cooking device

Abstract

To provide a cooking device in which a positional relation of functional units can be freely changed.SOLUTION: A cooking device of the present invention includes a plurality of functional units 2 each having a function for cooking. Each functional unit is configured to be movable with respect to a plurality of different installation positions by being lifted up by a person.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to cooking equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a kitchen equipped with a kitchen counter described in Patent Document 1 is known. The kitchen counter includes a top plate, a sink and a stove disposed on the top plate, and the top plate is configured to be movable in the vertical direction and in the direction of approaching or separating from the wall surface.

[0003] According to the above configuration, by moving the top plate downward and approaching the wall surface, the space around the kitchen counter can be widened, so that a user using a wheelchair can easily use the top plate and it is said that movement in the kitchen becomes easy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the kitchen described in Patent Document 1, functional units having functions for cooking such as a sink and a stove are provided on the top plate, and the top plate is configured to move up and down and with respect to the wall surface. However, the functional units depend on the top plate and cannot be freely moved. The inventors have conducted intensive research based on the conventional kitchen and have invented a cooking equipment capable of realizing free movement of the functional units.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooking equipment capable of freely changing the positional relationship of functional units.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The cooking appliance of the present invention includes a plurality of functional units having functions for cooking, and each of the functional units is configured to be liftable and movable by a person with respect to a plurality of installation positions having different positions.

[0008] According to such a configuration, since the functional unit can be lifted by a person and moved with respect to a plurality of installation positions, the positional relationship of the functional units can be freely changed.

[0009] Further, the plurality of functional units include a first unit and a second unit having functions for cooking, and the first unit is movable by being lifted by a person between a first installation position and a first alternative installation position different from the first installation position, and the second unit is configured to be movable by being lifted by a person between the second installation position and a second alternative installation position including the first installation position.

[0010] According to such a configuration, the first unit can be moved from the first installation position to the first alternative installation position, and the second unit can be moved from the second installation position to the second alternative installation position. Moreover, the positional relationship between the first unit and the second unit can be interchanged.

[0011] Further, at least one of the plurality of functional units has a side surface facing an operator who uses the functional unit, and the side surface includes a first side surface portion and a second side surface portion at a position different from the first side surface portion, and the at least one functional unit is configured to be movable by being lifted by a person between a first installation position where the operator at the first working position faces the first side surface portion and a second installation position where the operator at a second working position different from the first working position faces the second side surface portion and which is a position different from the first installation position.

[0012] According to such a configuration, since the functional unit can perform operations not only from one side but also from other sides, the functional unit can be transferred from one operator to another operator without worrying about the orientation of the functional unit. Therefore, it is easy to transfer the functional unit.

[0013] Further, the plurality of functional units can also be configured to be stackable with each other.

[0014] According to such a configuration, since the functional units can be stacked with each other, when the functional units are not in use, they can be stacked and stored.

[0015] Further, each of the functional units includes a functional part having a function for cooking and an outer frame part for housing the functional part, and each of the outer frame parts of the plurality of functional units can be configured to be able to house different functional parts instead of the functional part to be housed.

[0016] According to such a configuration, since the outer frame part can house a functional part other than the functional part to be housed, the functional part can be replaced in the outer frame part. Therefore, since the functional part can be replaced in the outer frame part according to convenience and used, the usability is improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a cooking appliance capable of freely changing the positional relationship of functional units can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] A kitchen K including a cooking appliance 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, the vertical direction, the longitudinal direction, and the lateral direction will be described with reference to the directions shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the kitchen K includes a mounting table 11 and a cooking appliance 12 mounted on the mounting table 11, and a space for an operator to work is formed around the mounting table 11. Such a kitchen K is an area of a building (for example, a house).

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting table 11 is a table including a top plate 13 and a plurality of legs 14 extending downward from the top plate 13. The mounting table 11 of the present embodiment is a table independent of the building and is freely movable with respect to the building. Further, in the mounting table 11 of the present embodiment, all around the mounting table 11 in the horizontal direction is a working position where an operator can work using the cooking equipment 12 placed thereon.

[0022] The top plate 13 has an upper surface as an installation surface 11a extending in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction, and is a plate-like body provided so that the thickness is uniform in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, it is a rectangular plate. The top plate 13 is a plate without a hole penetrating in the vertical direction, and the installation surface 11a is configured to be flat. The longitudinal length of the top plate 13 is longer than the longitudinal length of the functional unit 2 described later. Specifically, it is twice or more the longitudinal length of the functional unit 2. In the present embodiment, it is 2.5 times or more the length. With such a configuration, a plurality of functional units 2 can be arranged side by side on the top plate 13. Further, the lateral length of the top plate 13 is longer than the lateral length of the functional unit 2. In the present embodiment, it is longer than the longitudinal length of the functional unit 2.

[0023] The legs 14 are rod-like bodies extending downward from the top plate 13 and support the top plate 13 in a state of being separated from the floor surface of the building. The legs 14 of the present embodiment are respectively arranged at the four corners of the top plate 13. Such legs 14 are independent of the building.

[0024] The cooking appliance 12 is an appliance used for cooking. In this description, cooking refers to all preparations for eating and drinking, and includes, for example, processing of food ingredients, washing of tableware, etc. The cooking appliance 12 includes a plurality of functional units 2 having functions for cooking. The cooking appliance 12 of the present embodiment includes four functional units 2, and each functional unit 2 has a different function for cooking. That is, the cooking appliance 12 of the present embodiment includes two or more types of functional units 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking appliance 12 includes a workbench unit 5 having a function as a workbench for cooking, a sink unit 6 having a function as a washbasin for cooking, a water supply and drainage unit 7, and a heating unit 8 having a function of heating for cooking. In the present embodiment, the water supply and drainage unit 7 constitutes a part of the sink unit 6. Further, the cooking appliance 12 includes a storage unit 9 that can store small items for cooking (such as cooking utensils like knives) and small items for meals (such as tableware) shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The cooking appliance 12 preferably includes at least one of the sink unit 6 and the heating unit 8 for cooking. Furthermore, the cooking appliance 12 is configured to be liftable and movable by a person. Specifically, the weight of each functional unit 2 is 20 kg or less, and the size of each functional unit 2 (excluding the water supply and drainage unit 7) is such that a person can lift and move it (the total length of the three sides (the sum of the vertical length, the short-side length, and the long-side length) is 180 cm or less).

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, each functional unit 2 (excluding the water supply and drainage unit 7) includes an outer frame portion 3 and a functional portion 4, respectively. The functional portion 4 is a portion for exerting a function for cooking, and the outer frame portion 3 is a frame body for housing the functional portion 4. In each functional unit 2, the outer frame portion 3 has a common shape, and the functional portion 4 has a different configuration according to the function exerted by each functional unit 2.

[0026] Further, each functional unit 2 (excluding the water supply and drainage unit 7) includes a first side surface portion A1 and a second side surface portion B1 different from the first side surface portion A1. The second side surface portion B1 of the present embodiment includes a side surface facing the first side surface portion A1 in the short side direction and a side surface intersecting the first side surface portion A1, and an operator facing the first side surface portion A1 and an operator facing the second side surface portion B1 can both work using the functional unit 2.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the outer frame portion 3 is in a box shape with an open upper portion. Specifically, the outer frame portion 3 includes a bottom portion 31 that forms the bottom, a side wall portion 32 that forms the side surface, and a frame connecting portion 33 that connects the outer edge of the bottom portion 31 and the lower end of the side wall portion 32. Further, the outer frame portion 3 includes a decorative portion 34 disposed on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion 32 and the frame connecting portion 33. In the outer frame portion 3 of the present embodiment, the bottom portion 31, the side wall portion 32, and the frame connecting portion 33 are integrally formed, and the decorative portion 34 is attached to the outer surface. Such an outer frame portion 3 is configured to be able to fit the functional portion 4 from above. The outer frame portion 3 is sized to be liftable and movable by a person, specifically, configured such that the total length of three sides (the sum of the vertical length, the short side length, and the long side length) is 180 cm or less.

[0028] The bottom portion 31 is in a plate shape with a substantially constant thickness extending in the longitudinal direction and the short side direction, and the lower surface is configured as the placement surface 2a. The placement surface 2a is the surface facing the installation surface 11a when the functional unit 2 is placed on the placement table 11, and at least a part thereof abuts against the installation surface 11a. The placement surface 2a of the present embodiment is formed flat, and substantially the entire surface except for the fitting hole 3a described later abuts against the installation surface 11a.

[0029] The frame connecting portion 33 is a portion that rises upward from the outer edge of the bottom portion 31. Specifically, the frame connecting portion 33 extends outward and upward from the outer edge of the bottom portion 31 with respect to the bottom portion 31, and in this embodiment, it has a curved shape that protrudes outward with respect to the bottom portion 31. That is, the frame connecting portion 33 spreads outward toward the outside of the bottom portion 31 in the horizontal direction intersecting the vertical direction at a position spaced upward from the bottom portion 31. Such a frame connecting portion 33 forms a gap through which a finger can be hooked between the installation surface 11a and the outer frame portion 3, and thus functions as a finger hooking portion 33a for an operator to hook a finger when lifting the outer frame portion 3.

[0030] The side wall portion 32 is a wall body that extends in the vertical direction and is arranged so as to surround the bottom portion 31 in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the side wall portion 32 is a wall body that is connected to the upper end portion of the frame connecting portion 33 and extends upward from the frame connecting portion 33. Further, the side wall portion 32 is provided with a removal portion 32a. The removal portion 32a is a portion where a finger can be hooked to remove the functional portion 4 attached to the outer frame portion 3 from the outer frame portion 3, and in this embodiment, it is a notch portion formed at the upper end portion of the side wall portion 32 and recessed downward. That is, in the functional unit 2 of this embodiment, the functional portion 4 fitted to the outer frame portion 3 can be removed by hooking a finger on the removal portion 32a.

[0031] Further, a fitting hole 3a that penetrates the bottom portion 31 in the vertical direction is formed in the outer frame portion 3. The fitting hole 3a is a hole formed at one end (right side in the drawing) in the longitudinal direction, and in this embodiment, it is formed at the central portion in the short side direction. The fitting hole 3a is a hole having a size that allows a drain groove 613 described later to be fitted.

[0032] The decorative portion 34 is arranged on the outer surface of the outer frame portion 3 excluding the placement surface 2a. The decorative portion 34 of this embodiment is a sheet body with a pattern or the like printed on the surface, and is attached to the side wall portion 32 and the frame connecting portion 33 so that the surface faces outward.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the functional unit 4 exhibits functions for cooking while being housed in the outer frame unit 3. Specifically, the functional unit 4 includes a functional fitting portion 41 that fits into the outer frame unit 3 and a functional main body portion 42 that exhibits functions for cooking. The functional main body portion 42 has a configuration corresponding to the functions of each functional unit 2.

[0034] The functional fitting portion 41 is configured to be able to fit into the outer frame unit 3 from above. Specifically, the functional fitting portion 41 includes a housed portion 411 that enters and is housed inside the outer frame unit 3 and a locking portion 412 that extends outward in the horizontal direction from the upper end of the housed portion 411. The housed portion 411 has a box shape in which the shape in the horizontal direction corresponds to the shape of the inner surface of the side wall portion 32. Further, the housed portion 411 houses at least a part of the functional main body portion 42.

[0035] The locking portion 412 is placed and locked on the upper end of the side wall portion 32 to restrict the functional fitting portion 41 from moving downward with respect to the outer frame unit 3. Specifically, the locking portion 412 is configured to extend obliquely outward and upward in the horizontal direction from the upper end portion of the housed portion 411, and the extension distance in the horizontal direction is substantially equal to the thickness of the side wall portion 32. Specifically, the locking portion 412 is provided so as to extend outward from both ends in the short side direction and both ends in the long side direction at the upper end portion of the housed portion 411, and in this embodiment, it is provided over a full circle in the horizontal direction. Further, the locking portion 412 is configured such that the placement surface 2a can be accommodated in the region surrounded by the locking portion 412 in the horizontal direction.

[0036] The locking portion 412 includes a lower contact surface 412a and an upper contact surface 412b. The lower contact surface 412a is the lower surface of the locking portion 412 and is the surface that contacts the upper end of the side wall portion 32. The lower contact surface 412a is a surface that extends obliquely outward and upward in the horizontal direction. The upper contact surface 412b is the upper surface of the locking portion 412 and is a surface having a shape corresponding to the lower contact surface 412a.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the workbench unit 5 includes an outer frame portion 3 and a base function portion 5A as a function portion 4, and is box-shaped as a whole.

[0038] The base function portion 5A includes a function fitting portion 41, and a base support portion 51 and a base main body portion 52 as a function main body portion 42. The base support portion 51 of the present embodiment is configured integrally with the function fitting portion 41.

[0039] The base support portion 51 is configured to support the base main body portion 52 from below. Specifically, the base support portion 51 has a support upper surface which is the upper surface of the base support portion 51 (the upper surface of the function fitting portion 41), and is configured to abut against and support the lower surface of the base main body portion 52.

[0040] The base main body portion 52 is located at the upper end portion of the workbench unit 5, and the upper surface is configured as a substantially flat work surface 52a. The base main body portion 52 of the present embodiment is a plate-like body, and includes a base portion 521 whose upper surface is the work surface 52a, and a base locking portion 522 disposed around the base portion 521 in the horizontal direction. The base locking portion 522 has a shape corresponding to the locking portion 412, and is configured to extend obliquely outward and upward in the horizontal direction.

[0041] The base main body portion 52 is placed above the base support portion 51, and the work surface 52a is supported from below by the base support portion 51. Here, since the base main body portion 52 includes the base locking portion 522 having a shape corresponding to the locking portion 412, the lower surface of the base locking portion 522 abuts against and locks to the upper contact surface 412b of the locking portion 412. Therefore, since the horizontal movement of the base main body portion 52 is restricted, it is possible to suppress the base main body portion 52 from shifting even if a horizontal force is applied to the base main body during work. As shown in FIG. 3, it is also possible to adopt a configuration including a small base 523 that can be placed on the base main body portion 52 and is smaller than the base main body portion 52. Similar to the base main body portion 52, the small base 523 can be configured to include a base locking portion 522 at the outer edge portion in the horizontal direction, and thus can be locked to the base locking portion 522 of the base main body portion 52 to restrict the horizontal movement.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the sink unit 6 includes a sink body 61 that receives water and can drain the received water, and a water supply and drainage unit 7 including pipes for water supply and drainage to and from the sink unit 6. The water supply and drainage unit 7 is connected to the sink body 61 to constitute a part of the sink unit 6. In the sink unit 6, the functional main body part 42 is the sink body 61 and the water supply and drainage unit 7, and the functional fitting part 41 is the sink body 61. That is, the sink body 61 fits into the outer frame part 3 and has a part of the function as a washstand. Further, the sink body 61 has a locking part 412 at the upper end part.

[0043] The sink body 61 is a box with an upper opening that can be accommodated inside the outer frame part 3, and includes a plate-shaped sink lower part 611, a sink side part 612 extending upward from the outer edge part of the sink lower part 611, and a drain groove 613 located below the sink lower part 611. The sink body 61 is configured to be able to receive water in the space surrounded by the sink lower part 611 and the sink side part 612. In the sink lower part 611, holes penetrating in the vertical direction and communicating with the drain groove 613 are formed, and the water in the sink lower part 611 is configured to be able to flow into the drain groove 613. Further, the sink lower part 611 is provided with a drain lid 614 that covers the upper part of the drain groove 613.

[0044] The drain groove 613 is configured to protrude downward from the sink body 61 and is a cylindrical body configured such that the drainage flowing from the sink lower part 611 can flow inside. Further, the drain groove 613 is configured to be able to fit into the fitting hole 3a of the outer frame part 3, and is configured to extend from the inside to the outside of the outer frame part 3 through the fitting hole 3a. Specifically, the drain groove 613 is provided so as to protrude downward from one end in the longitudinal direction and the central part in the short direction of the sink lower part 611. The drain groove 613 of the present embodiment is arranged such that its axis extends along the vertical direction.

[0045] The drain 613 includes a debris receiving portion 615 and a drain connection portion 616 located below the debris receiving portion 615 (downstream in the direction of the drain flow). The debris receiving portion 615 is capable of mounting a basket (not shown) for filtering the drain flowing from the lower part of the sink 611 to receive debris. The drain connection portion 616 is a cylindrical body extending downward (downstream) from the debris receiving portion 615, and the drain passing through the debris receiving portion 615 can pass through the inside thereof.

[0046] The water supply and drainage unit 7 includes a water supply pipe 71 for supplying water (hot water supply) to the sink main body 61, a drain pipe 72 through which the drain from the sink main body 61 flows, a pipe housing portion 73 that houses both the water supply pipe 71 and the drain pipe 72, a water supply portion 74 that extends upward from the pipe housing portion 73 and houses the water supply pipe 71, a drain portion 75 that receives the drain from the drain 613 and flows it into the drain pipe 72, and a pipe connection portion 76 that connects the water supply and drainage unit 7 to the sink main body 61. The functional portion 4 in the water supply and drainage unit 7 of the present embodiment is the water supply pipe 71, the drain pipe 72, the pipe housing portion 73, the water supply portion 74, the drain portion 75, and the pipe connection portion 76. Further, the water supply and drainage unit 7 of the present embodiment does not include the outer frame portion 3. That is, in the water supply and drainage unit 7 of the present embodiment, the functional portion 4 is in an exposed state.

[0047] The water supply pipe 71 is connected to a supply source that supplies tap water (for example, pipes installed inside or under the floor of a building connected to the water supply pipe that supplies tap water to the building), and the drain pipe 72 is connected to a drainage facility (for example, pipes installed inside or under the floor of a building connected to the sewer into which the drain from the building flows). Further, at least a part of the water supply pipe 71 and the drain pipe 72 is composed of a flexible pipe and is configured to be able to be freely bent in the middle of the axial direction.

[0048] The pipe housing portion 73 is tubular, houses both the water supply pipe 71 and the drain pipe 72 inside, and protects both pipes from the outside. Further, at least a part of the pipe housing portion 73 is a flexible pipe and is configured to be bendable freely in the middle of the axial direction. That is, the water supply pipe 71, the drain pipe 72, and the pipe housing portion 73 can be deformed in the axial direction in accordance with the movement of the sink unit 6. The pipe housing portion 73 houses the water supply pipe 71 and the drain pipe 72 from the building's water supply and sewerage to the middle portion on the way to the sink main body 61, specifically up to the pipe connection portion 76.

[0049] The water supply portion 74 is a tubular body extending from the pipe housing portion 73 to above the sink main body 61 and houses the water supply pipe 71 inside. Further, the water supply portion 74 is provided with a faucet 741 inside and can adjust the flow of water from the water supply pipe 71. The water supply portion 74 of the present embodiment is a tubular body that extends upward from the pipe housing portion 73 and curves downward and horizontally toward the inside of the sink main body 61 on the way. The tip of the water supply portion 74 is located above the sink main body 61, specifically above the drain groove 613. That is, the water supply portion 74 extends in the horizontal direction from the outside of the sink main body 61 to the upper region of the outer frame portion 3 of the sink unit 6, thereby moving the city water from the outside of the sink unit 6 to the upper region.

[0050] The drain portion 75 includes a drain trap 751 connected to the drain connection portion 616 and a pipe connection portion 752 connecting the drain trap 751 and the drain pipe 72. The pipe connection portion 752 is a joint connecting the drain trap 751 and the drain pipe 72. The water supply and drainage unit 7 is connected to the sink unit 6 by connecting the drain trap 751 to the drain connection portion 616. Further, in the present embodiment, the drain trap 751 is non-removably connected to the drain connection portion 616, whereby the water supply and drainage unit 7 is non-removably attached to the sink unit 6.

[0051] The drain trap 751 includes a trap main body 753 that is cylindrical with a bottom and an open top, and an odor prevention pipe 754 disposed in the trap main body 753. The trap main body 753 is coaxially connected to the drain connection portion 616 and is rotatable about the axis R of the drain connection portion 616 in the connected state. Further, a connection hole 755 that penetrates laterally is formed in a side wall of the trap main body 753 at a position spaced upward from the bottom of the trap main body 753.

[0052] The odor prevention pipe 754 includes an annular flange portion 756 that locks to the upper end portion of the trap main body 753, and a cylindrical tubular portion 757 that extends downward from the inner circumference of the flange portion 756. The flange portion 756 is configured to close the space between the trap main body 753 and the tubular portion 757 in the radial direction, and the lower end portion of the tubular portion 757 is located between the bottom of the trap main body 753 and the connection hole 755. According to the drain trap 751 having such a configuration, the drain flowing into the trap main body 753 becomes water seal, and it is possible to prevent odors and insects flowing back from the sewer.

[0053] The pipe connection portion 76 is located below the outer frame portion 3, extends horizontally from the drain portion 75 to the pipe housing portion 73, and connects the drain portion 75 and the pipe housing portion 73. That is, the pipe connection portion 76 also connects the pipe housing portion 73 and the water supply portion 74 via the pipe connection portion 76 in the present embodiment. For example, the pipe connection portion 76 is adhered to the drain portion 75, the pipe housing portion 73, and the water supply portion 74.

[0054] The pipe connection part 76 includes a drain housing part 761 that houses the drain part 75, a pipe insertion part 762 that is connected to the pipe housing part 73 and through which the water supply pipe 71 and the drain pipe 72 pass, and a drain extension part 763 that extends horizontally from the drain housing part 761 to the pipe insertion part 762. The drain housing part 761 houses the drain part 75 (the trap main body 753) and is the part where the trap main body 753 is fixed. Therefore, when the trap main body 753 rotates with respect to the drain connection part 616, the pipe connection part 76 of the present embodiment rotates integrally with the trap main body 753 (see the dashed line in FIG. 7). Further, the water supply part 74 is configured such that even when it rotates with respect to the sink main body 61, the tip is always positioned above the sink main body 61.

[0055] The pipe insertion part 762 has a hole penetrating in the vertical direction, and the pipe housing part 73 is connected to the lower part. In the present embodiment, the base end part of the water supply part 74 is connected to the upper part of the pipe insertion part 762. The pipe insertion part 762 can insert the water supply pipe 71. Also, the drain pipe 72 can be inserted into the pipe insertion part 762 from below to the drain trap 751.

[0056] The drain extension part 763 has a space inside that extends from the side of the drain trap 751 to the pipe insertion part 762, and the drain trap 751 and the drain pipe 72 can be connected in this space. Also, the drain extension part 763 extends horizontally from the lower region of the outer frame part 3 (the region where the drain trap 751 is located) to the outer region of the outer frame part 3 (the region where the pipe housing part 73 is located). That is, the drain extension part 763 is the part for moving the drain from the lower region of the outer frame part 3 of the sink unit 6 to the outside of the outer frame part 3 of the sink unit 6 (more specifically, obliquely downward) by the drain pipe 72 extending from the lower region of the outer frame part 3 of the sink unit 6 to the outside of the outer frame part 3 of the sink unit 6 in the horizontal direction.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the heating unit 8 includes an outer frame portion 3 and a heating device 81 as a functional portion 4. In the heating unit 8, the heating device 81 corresponds to both the functional main body portion 42 and the functional fitting portion 41. That is, in the heating unit 8, the functional main body portion 42 and the functional fitting portion 41 are integrally configured.

[0058] The heating device 81 is a device sized to be accommodated in the outer frame portion 3 and can heat a pot or the like placed on the upper surface. The heating device 81 of the present embodiment is an electric stove and has a cord (not shown) that can be electrically connected to an outlet provided in a building. The cord extends outward from the fitting hole 3a, for example. Specifically, the heating device 81 has a heating frame 82 that is box-shaped and has a heating area 83 on the upper surface where a device to be heated (e.g., a pot) is placed, and an electric circuit (not shown) that is accommodated inside the heating frame 82 and heats the device to be heated. Such a heating frame 82 corresponds to the housed portion 411, and a locking portion 412 is provided at the upper end of the heating frame 82.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the storage unit 9 includes an outer frame portion 3, a storage frame portion 91 as a functional portion 4, and a storage main body portion 92. The storage frame portion 91 is a functional fitting portion 41 that fits into the outer frame portion 3 and also functions as a functional main body portion 42 that movably supports the storage main body portion 92. The storage main body portion 92 is a functional main body portion 42 that has a function of storing small items for cooking and meals.

[0060] The storage frame portion 91 includes a frame main body 911 that is a wall body extending along the inner circumference of the outer frame portion 3 in a state of being fitted into the outer frame portion 3, a rail 912 extending in the longitudinal direction or the short-side direction, and a locking portion 412 provided outside the frame main body 911. The rail 912 of the present embodiment is provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and a pair of rails are provided spaced apart in the short-side direction. Also, the lower surface of the storage frame portion 91 is spaced above the bottom portion 31 of the outer frame portion 3. That is, a space is formed between the storage frame portion 91 and the bottom portion 31 of the outer frame portion 3. For example, tableware or the like can be stored in this space.

[0061] The housing main body 92 is a container that forms a space capable of housing small items. The housing main body 92 includes a rail engaging portion 921 that engages with the rail 912, and a box-shaped small item housing portion 922 that forms a space for housing small items. The whole is in a state of being supported by the rail 912 from below, and is movable in the longitudinal direction along the rail 912. Two housing main bodies 92 of the present embodiment are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, a lid portion 21 is provided on the upper part of the functional unit 2. The lid portion 21 is a plate-like body and includes a lid main body 22 having a flat upper surface and a lid locking portion 23 disposed around the lid main body 22 in the horizontal direction. The lid locking portion 23 has a shape corresponding to the locking portion 412 and is configured to extend obliquely outward and upward in the horizontal direction. The lid portion 21 is arranged to cover the upper part of the functional unit 2, for example, when the functional unit 2 is not in use. At this time, by locking the lid locking portion 23 to the locking portion 412 of the functional fitting portion 41, the movement of the lid portion 21 in the horizontal direction can be restricted. By providing the lid portion 21 in this way, it is possible to prevent dirt and the like from adhering to the functional unit 4 and the articles housed in the functional unit 4 when the functional unit 2 is not in use. Note that the lid portion 21 can be arranged not only for the housing unit but also to cover the upper part of other functional units 2.

[0063] The usage method of the cooking device 12 as described above will be explained.

[0064] When using the cooking appliance 12, as a preparation step, the necessary functional units 2 are arranged on the mounting table 11. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when cooking food by heating, in order to cut, wash, and heat the food, the heating unit 8, the workbench unit 5, and the sink unit 6 are arranged. Also, for example, when the workbench unit 5 is no longer needed, the workbench unit 5 can be removed from the mounting table 11, and instead, a storage unit can be arranged. In this way, the cooking appliance 12 is configured such that each functional unit 2 is independently configured and can be freely moved without being restricted by other functional units 2. After the arrangement of the functional units 2 is completed, the lid portion 21 is removed as necessary.

[0065] Here, the sink unit 6 is arranged on the mounting table 11 such that the drain groove 613 and the drain portion 75 are located outside the mounting table 11. By being arranged in this way, while the sink body 61 is arranged above the top plate 13, drainage can be made to flow below the top plate 13 without drilling a hole in the top plate 13 of the mounting table 11. Also, the sink unit 6 moves the city water from the outside of the sink unit 6 to the upper region because the water supply portion 74 extends from the outside of the sink body 61 to the upper region of the outer frame portion 3 of the sink unit 6, so that the sink body 61 can be supplied with water without drilling a hole in the top plate 13 of the mounting table 11. That is, the sink unit 6 has a mounting surface 2a and a fitting hole 3a formed in the outer frame portion 3, a drain groove 613 is provided so as to protrude downward from the fitting hole 3a, and the water supply portion 74 extends from the outside of the sink body 61 to the upper region of the outer frame portion 3 of the sink unit 6. Therefore, the sink unit 6 can independently realize the functions of water supply and drainage without relying on the top plate 13.

[0066] Next, cooking is performed using each functional unit 2. Here, for example, for the convenience of cooking, the position of the functional unit 2 can be changed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 8 at the first installation position P1, which is one end in the longitudinal direction of the mounting table 11, can be moved to another position, i.e., the first alternative installation position P11 shown in FIG. 13. Here, the first alternative installation position P11 shown in FIG. 13 is the second installation position P2 where the sink unit 6 was installed in FIG. 1. Also, the sink unit 6 at the second installation position P2 shown in FIG. 1 can be moved to the second alternative installation position P21 shown in FIG. 13. The second alternative installation position P21 shown in FIG. 13 is the first installation position P1 where the heating unit 8 was installed in FIG. 1. That is, each functional unit 2 can freely change its installation position and, moreover, can change its position so as to swap positions with each other. Also, when moving the functional unit 2 placed on the installation surface 11a, one can place a hand on the finger hook portion 33a and lift it with respect to the installation surface 11a.

[0067] Also, as shown in FIG. 14, among the working positions around the mounting table 11, from the first worker A located at the first working position PA, which is a position facing one of the sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 13, to the second worker B located at the second working position PB, which is a position facing the mounting table 11 across the mounting table 11, the functional unit 2 can be lifted by hand and passed. Here, the functional unit 2 includes a first side surface portion A1 and a second side surface portion B1 that face each other in the short side direction. Since any of the worker facing the first side surface portion A1 and the worker facing the second side surface portion B1 can work using the functional unit 2, even if the functional unit 2 is passed to workers at different working positions, it can be used without changing the orientation of the functional unit 2.

[0068] Then, as shown in FIG. 15, after cooking is completed, the functional unit 2 can be put away. When putting away the functional unit 2, another functional unit 2 can be stacked directly or via the lid portion 21 on one functional unit 2. Since it can be done in this way, the stored functional unit 2 takes up a large area and the possibility of getting in the way can be suppressed.

[0069] As described above, the cooking appliance 12 of the present embodiment is independent of the top plate 13 and the mounting table 11 and can function independently. Therefore, compared with the conventional top plate 13 - dependent cooking appliance 12, it is possible to provide a self - standing type cooking appliance 12 that allows an operator to change the position of the functional unit 2 with free ideas and use it.

[0070] In addition, the cooking appliance 12 of the present embodiment is a portable cooking appliance 12 configured to be lifted and carried by a person. Therefore, compared with the conventional fixed - type cooking appliance 12 fixed to the top plate 13, it can be used in various places inside and outside the kitchen K, and cooking can be performed at an appropriate place according to the lifestyle.

[0071] Furthermore, the cooking appliance 12 of the present embodiment is an assembled - and - disassembled type cooking appliance 12 in which a plurality of functional units 2 are independent of each other and can be carried and assembled and disassembled. Therefore, compared with the conventional integrated - type cooking appliance in which functions are aggregated and fixed to the top plate 13, according to the necessity in cooking and the lifestyle, the necessary functional units 2 can be assembled or disassembled, enhancing convenience.

[0072] The summary of the present embodiment is described below.

[0073] Since a person can lift the functional unit 2 of the cooking appliance 12 of the present embodiment and move it to a plurality of installation positions, the positional relationship of the functional unit 2 can be freely changed.

[0074] Also, the first unit (for example, the heating unit 8) can be moved from the first installation position P1 to the other installation position P11 for the first unit, and the second unit (for example, the sink unit 6) can be moved from the second installation position P2 to the other installation position P21 for the second unit. Moreover, the positional relationship between the first unit and the second unit can be interchanged.

[0075] Furthermore, since the functional unit 2 can be operated not only from one side but also from other sides, the functional unit 2 can be passed from one operator to another without worrying about its orientation. Therefore, it is easy to transfer the functional unit 2.

[0076] In addition, the functional unit 2 includes a first side surface portion A1 and a second side surface portion B1 which is at a position different from the first side surface portion A1, and an operator facing either the first side surface portion A1 or the second side surface portion B1 can operate using the functional unit 2. Therefore, the functional unit 2 can be placed against a wall or at the edge of a table without worrying about its orientation.

[0077] Furthermore, since the functional units 2 can be stacked on top of each other, when the functional units 2 are not in use, they can be stacked and stored.

[0078] In addition, since the shapes of the locking portions 412 and the placement surfaces 2a of the respective functional units 2 are common, they can be stably stacked without worrying about the vertical relationship between any of the functional units 2.

[0079] Furthermore, since the outer frame portion 3 can accommodate functional portions 4 other than the functional portion 4 to be accommodated, the functional portion 4 can be replaced with the outer frame portion 3. Therefore, the functional portion 4 can be replaced with the outer frame portion 3 according to convenience, improving usability. Also, for example, by attaching the functional portion 4 to another outer frame portion 3 having a different pattern of the decorative portion 34, the appearance of the functional unit 2 can be easily changed.

[0080] In addition, since the shapes of the outer frame portions 3 are the same shape, even if the functional portion 4 accommodated in one outer frame portion 3 is accommodated in another outer frame portion 3, the functional portion 4 can be used with the same usability as before replacement, so the usability is good. Also, since the shapes of the outer frame portions 3 are the same, when the functional units 2 are arranged, a sense of unity in shape can be achieved, improving the appearance when a plurality of functional units 2 are arranged.

[0081] As described above, an example of the embodiment of the present invention has been given. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0082] For example, the case where the functional unit 2 having four different functions is provided has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the combination of a plurality of functional units 2 can be arbitrarily determined, and a configuration in which a plurality of functional units 2 having the same functional part 4 are provided can also be adopted. For example, a configuration in which a plurality of heating units 8 are provided and a person can lift and replace the positions of the heating units 8 with each other can be adopted.

[0083] In addition, although the case where the outer shapes of the respective functional units 2 are the same has been described, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and different outer shapes can also be adopted. For example, the shape of the mounting surface 2a of each functional unit 2 and the shape of the engaging portion may be the same shape, and a configuration in which the heights are different according to the configuration of the functional part 4 can also be adopted.

[0084] Furthermore, a configuration in which the kitchen K does not include the mounting table 11 can also be adopted. In such a case, for example, work can be performed on the floor surface or the like. Also, even in the case of a configuration including the mounting table 11, the mounting configuration is not limited to the illustrated one, and various configurations including the installation surface 11a disposed away from the floor can be adopted.

[0085] In addition, although the case where the functional part 4 and the outer frame part 3 are separate has been described, they may be integrated, or even in the case of a separate configuration, they can be made non-detachable. Also, a configuration in which the outer frame part 3 is not provided can be adopted.

[0086] Furthermore, a configuration including temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing the functional unit 2 to the installation surface 11a in a state of being placed on the installation surface 11a can also be adopted. As the temporary fixing means, for example, a suction cup that adsorbs to the installation surface 11a, a locking means such as a clamp that can be locked to the top plate 13, or the like can be adopted.

[0087] In addition, although the case where each functional unit 2 has one function has been described, the configuration is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to have a plurality of functions. For example, by configuring the base support portion 51 of the mounting table 11 unit to be capable of accommodating small items, a functional unit 2 having both the function as a base and the function of storage can be obtained.

[0088] Furthermore, although the case where the water supply and drainage unit 7 is non-detachable from the sink unit 6 has been described, the configuration is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to be detachable. Also, the water supply and drainage unit 7 can be configured to be attachable to a functional unit 2 other than the sink unit 6.

[0089] In addition, although the case where the water supply portion 74 is curved above the sink main body 61 and extends from the outside of the sink main body 61 to the upper region has been described, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the water supply portion 74 can be configured to extend from the lower region of the sink main body 61 through the sink lower portion 611 to the upper side, or to rise upward from the drain groove 613.

[0090] Furthermore, although the case where the outer frame portions 3 of each functional unit 2 have the same shape has been described, the configuration is not limited to this, and they can also have different shapes. Even if the shapes of the outer frame portions 3 are different, if the portions for locking to the functional portion 4 (for example, the shape of the upper end portion of the side wall portion 32) are common, the functional portion 4 can be replaced with respect to the outer frame portion 3. Also, by configuring the shapes of the outer frame portions 3 to be different shapes, the functional portion 4 can be replaced with respect to the outer frame portion 3 according to the convenience of cooking, improving the usability. As an aspect including outer frame portions 3 having different shapes, for example, by configuring to include a plurality of outer frame portions 3 with different heights of the side wall portion 32, the functional portion 4 can be positioned at a height that is easy to use by replacing the functional portion 4 with respect to the outer frame portion 3 corresponding to the height difference and posture of the operator, thus improving the usability.

[0091] Regarding the change in the installation position of the functional unit 2, the case where the entire functional unit 2 is moved from the first installation position P1 to the first alternative installation position P11 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and only the functional part 4 can also be moved. Specifically, the functional part 4 accommodated in the outer frame part 3 located at the first installation position P1 can be removed from the outer frame part and moved, and then accommodated in the outer frame part 3 located at the first alternative installation position P11. In this case, when the first alternative installation position P11 is the second installation position P2 where another functional unit 2 was installed, the functional part 4 of the other functional unit 2 mounted on the outer frame part 3 at the second installation position P2 can be removed from the outer frame part 3, and the functional part 4 of the one functional unit 2 can be mounted on the outer frame part 3 from which the functional part 4 of the other functional unit 2 has been removed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0092] 11…Mounting table, 11a…Installation surface, 12…Cooking appliance, 13…Top plate, 14…Legs, 2…Functional unit, 2a…Mounting surface, 21…Lid part, 22…Lid body, 23…Lid locking part, 3…Outer frame part, 3a…Fitting hole, 31…Bottom part, 32…Side wall part, 32a…Removable part, 33…Frame connecting part, 33a…Finger hook part, 34…Decorative part, 4…Functional part, 41…Functional fitting part, 411…Accommodated part, 412…Locking part, 412a…Lower contact surface, 412b…Upper contact surface, 42…Functional main body part, 5…Workbench unit, 51…Table support part, 52…Table main body part, 52a…Working surface, 521…Table part, 522…Table locking part, 523…Small table, 6…Sink unit, 61…Sink body, 611…Lower part of sink, 612…Side part of sink, 613…Drainage groove, 614…Drainage lid, 615…Debris receiver, 616…Drainage connection part, 7…Water supply and drainage unit, 71…Water supply pipe, 72…Drainage pipe, 73…Pipe accommodation part, 74…Water supply part, 741…Faucet, 75…Drainage part, 751…Drainage trap, 752…Pipe connection part, 753…Trap main body, 754…Anti-odor pipe, 755…Connection hole, 756…Flange part, 757…Cylindrical part, 76…Pipe connection part, 761…Drainage accommodation part, 762…Pipe insertion part, 763…Drainage extension part, 8…Heating unit, 81…Heating device, 82…Heating frame, 83…Heating area, 9…Storage unit, 91…Storage frame part, 911…Frame main body, 912…Rail, 92…Storage main body part, 921…Rail engagement part, 922…Small item storage part

Claims

1. A cooking appliance including a plurality of functional units each having a function for cooking, wherein each of the functional units is configured to be lifted and moved by a person with respect to a plurality of installation positions having different positions.

2. The plurality of functional units include a first unit and a second unit each having a function for cooking, wherein the first unit is movable to be lifted and moved by a person between a first installation position and other installation positions for the first unit including a second installation position different from the first installation position, and the second unit is movable to be lifted and moved by a person between the second installation position and other installation positions for the second unit including the first installation position. The cooking appliance according to Claim 1.

3. At least one of the plurality of functional units has a side surface facing an operator using the functional unit, the side surface including a first side surface portion and a second side surface portion at a position different from the first side surface portion, and the at least one functional unit is movable to be lifted and moved by a person between a first installation position where the operator at a first working position faces the first side surface portion and a second installation position at a position different from the first installation position where the operator at a second working position different from the first working position faces the second side surface portion. The cooking appliance according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The plurality of functional units are configured to be stackable on each other. The cooking appliance according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. Each of the functional units includes a functional portion having a function for cooking and an outer frame portion for housing the functional portion, and each of the outer frame portions of the plurality of functional units is configured to be able to house different functional portions instead of the functional portion to be housed. The cooking appliance according to Claim 1 or 2.

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