Gas burner and cooking appliance

Abstract

The present invention provides a gas burner device and a cooking appliance that can suppress the occurrence of flame overflow immediately after the transition from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state. [Solution] In a gas burner device 16 having a main burner section 36 and a sub-burner section 38, where the minimum heat output in a simultaneous combustion state when the main burner section 36 and the sub-burner section 38 burn simultaneously is greater than the maximum heat output in a single combustion state when only the sub-burner section 38 burns, but the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is set to be smaller than the maximum single combustion heat output opening, the control means 60 opens the on-off valve 56 to switch the combustion state of the burner 39 from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state when the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is smaller than the maximum single combustion heat output opening and is greater than or equal to the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas burner device and a cooking heater.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional gas burner device. This gas burner device has, as a burner for burning fuel gas, a main burner section and an auxiliary burner section adjacent to the main burner section and having a maximum heating power smaller than that of the main burner section.

[0003] Further, this gas burner device includes a common gas supply passage, a gas supply passage for the main burner section, a gas supply passage for the auxiliary burner section, a gas amount adjustment valve, an on-off valve, a heating power indicating means, and a control means.

[0004] The common gas supply passage supplies fuel gas to the burner. The gas supply passage for the main burner section is branched from the common gas supply passage and supplies fuel gas to the main burner section. The gas supply passage for the auxiliary burner section is branched from the common gas supply passage and supplies fuel gas to the auxiliary burner section. The gas amount adjustment valve is provided in the common gas supply passage and adjusts the gas amount of the fuel gas supplied to the burner. The on-off valve is provided in the gas supply passage for the main burner section and opens and closes the gas supply passage for the main burner section. The heating power indicating means indicates the heating power of the burner. The control means controls the opening and closing of the on-off valve and the opening degree of the gas amount adjustment valve based on the indication of the heating power indicating means to change the heating power of the burner.

[0005] In this gas burner device, the burner's combustion state is configured as a simultaneous combustion state where the main burner and sub-burner burn simultaneously when the on-off valve is open, and as a single combustion state where only the sub-burner burns when the on-off valve is closed. In both of these simultaneous and single combustion states, the burner's flame power can be changed via a flame power indicator. Furthermore, in this gas burner device, the minimum simultaneous combustion flame power is set to be greater than the maximum single combustion flame power, while the opening of the gas flow control valve to obtain the minimum simultaneous combustion flame power is set to be smaller than the opening of the gas flow control valve to obtain the maximum single combustion flame power.

[0006] In this gas burner device, for example, if the flame power indicated by the flame power indicator is changed from a first flame power in a single-burner state to a second flame power in a simultaneous-burner state, the opening of the gas flow control valve is first changed from the first flame power opening, which is used to obtain the first flame power in a single-burner state, to the maximum flame power opening for single-burner combustion. Then, the on / off valve is opened, and the opening of the gas flow control valve is changed to the second flame power opening, which is used to obtain the second flame power in a simultaneous-burner state. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-281271 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, in the conventional gas burner device described above, the transition from single-burner combustion to simultaneous combustion occurs when the gas flow control valve is at its maximum single-burner flame opening. When the gas flow control valve is at its maximum single-burner flame opening in the single-burner combustion state, the flame output of the sub-burner is quite large. Also, if the shut-off valve opens when the gas flow control valve is at its maximum single-burner flame opening, the amount of fuel gas supplied to the main burner is also quite large. Therefore, this gas burner device has a problem in that immediately after the transition from single-burner combustion to simultaneous combustion, the burner flame becomes excessive, making it prone to overflowing, a phenomenon known as flame overflow. If flame overflow occurs in a gas burner device installed in a cooking appliance, it may result in inefficient heating of the cooking container.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gas burner device and a cooking appliance that can suppress the occurrence of flame overflow immediately after the transition from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The gas burner device of the present invention comprises a main burner section and a sub-burner section adjacent to the main burner section, the sub-burner section having a maximum flame output smaller than that of the main burner section, and a burner for burning fuel gas. A common gas supply path for supplying the fuel gas to the burner, A gas supply line for the main burner section is branched off from the common gas supply line and supplies the fuel gas to the main burner section, A gas supply line for the sub-burner section is branched from the common gas supply line and supplies the fuel gas to the sub-burner section, A gas flow control valve is provided in the common gas supply line and adjusts the amount of fuel gas supplied to the burner, A shut-off valve is provided in the gas supply passage for the main burner section, which opens and closes the gas supply passage for the main burner section. A heat output indicating means for indicating the heat output of the burner, A gas burner device comprising control means for changing the flame of the burner by controlling the opening and closing of the on-off valve and the opening degree of the gas volume control valve based on the instructions of the flame power instruction means, The combustion state of the burner is such that when the on-off valve is open, the main burner section and the sub-burner section burn simultaneously, and when the on-off valve is closed, only the sub-burner section burns, resulting in a single-burner combustion state. The flame power of the burner in each of the simultaneous combustion state and the single-burner combustion state can be changed via the flame power indicator means. In a gas burner device in which the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output, which is the minimum heat output in the simultaneous combustion state, is set to be greater than the maximum single-combustion heat output, which is the maximum heat output in the single-combustion state, but the opening degree of the gas flow control valve that obtains the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output, which is the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output opening degree, is set to be smaller than the opening degree of the gas flow control valve that obtains the maximum single-combustion heat output, The control means is characterized in that when the opening of the gas volume control valve is smaller than the maximum single-burner combustion opening and greater than or equal to the minimum simultaneous combustion opening, it opens the on-off valve to switch the combustion state of the burner from the single-burner combustion state to the simultaneous combustion state.

[0011] In the gas burner device of the present invention, the control means controls the opening and closing of the on-off valve and the opening degree of the gas flow control valve, thereby switching the combustion state of the burner between a simultaneous combustion state in which the main burner section and the sub-burner section burn simultaneously, and a single combustion state in which only the sub-burner section burns. The switch from the single combustion state to the simultaneous combustion state by opening the on-off valve occurs when the opening degree of the gas flow control valve is smaller than the maximum flame opening degree for single combustion and greater than or equal to the minimum flame opening degree for simultaneous combustion.

[0012] Thus, in this gas burner system, when the burner's combustion state switches from single-burner combustion to simultaneous combustion, the on-off valve opens when the gas flow control valve is at an intermediate opening smaller than the maximum single-burner flame opening. Therefore, compared to the case where the on-off valve opens when the gas flow control valve is at the maximum single-burner flame opening, the flame output of the sub-burner is lower and the amount of fuel gas supplied to the main burner is also lower when transitioning from single-burner combustion to simultaneous combustion. As a result, this gas burner system can suppress excessive flame output from the burner immediately after the transition from single-burner combustion to simultaneous combustion.

[0013] Therefore, according to the gas burner device of the present invention, the occurrence of flame overflow can be suppressed immediately after the transition from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state.

[0014] When the control means receives an instruction to change the burner's flame from a first flame in a single-burn state to a second flame in a simultaneous-burn state, it is preferable that the opening of the gas flow control valve be changed from a first flame opening to obtain the first flame to an intermediate opening, and then to a second flame opening to obtain the second flame.

[0015] In this case, while suppressing the occurrence of flame overflow, the user can change the burner's heat output to their desired level when switching from a single-burner combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state.

[0016] The heat output control means may be adjustable to any of several preset heat output levels. Preferably, the first and second heat output levels are any of the multiple heat output levels.

[0017] In this case, the user operating the flame intensity control device can easily recognize the desired flame intensity setting for the burner. Therefore, the control device can quickly recognize the user's intention to switch from a single-burner combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state.

[0018] The firepower indicating means can be adjusted to any one of a plurality of preset firepower levels. And it is preferable that the firepower obtained by the intermediate opening degree is any one of the firepower levels of the plurality of firepower levels.

[0019] In this case, since there is no need to newly set a predetermined intermediate opening degree, the control by the control means becomes easy.

[0020] The cooking heater of the present invention is characterized by mounting the gas burner device of the present invention.

[0021] The cooking heater of the present invention has the same operation as the operation of the gas burner device of the present invention.

[0022] Therefore, according to the cooking heater of the present invention, the occurrence of the fire overflow phenomenon can be suppressed immediately after the transition from the single combustion state to the simultaneous combustion state.

Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the gas burner device and the cooking heater of the present invention, the occurrence of the fire overflow phenomenon can be suppressed immediately after the transition from the single combustion state to the simultaneous combustion state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the stove burner device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1, relating to the stove burner device of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cooking heater equipped with the stove burner device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the opening degree of the gas amount adjusting valve and the firepower input at each firepower position, relating to the stove burner device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the content of the firepower change control, relating to the stove burner device of the embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0026] The gas stove 10 in this embodiment is a so-called built-in type gas stove installed in a kitchen or the like. The gas stove 10 is an example of a "heating cooker" in this invention.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, this gas stove 10 comprises an appliance body 12 with an open top, a top plate 14 that covers the opening on the top of the appliance body 12 from above, and three stove burner devices 16. The stove burner devices 16 are an example of a "gas burner device" in the present invention.

[0028] The appliance body 12 is roughly rectangular in shape. Inside the appliance body 12 are each of the cooktop burner devices 16 and a grill device 18 for grill cooking. In addition, a cooktop control panel 19 for operating each of the cooktop burner devices 16 is provided on the front of the appliance body 12. Although not shown in the illustration, the top plate 14 has burner openings through which the burner bodies 20 of each of the cooktop burner devices 16, which will be described later, are inserted.

[0029] Each burner unit 16 is a known so-called parent-child burner and has the same configuration. Furthermore, each burner unit 16 is a premixed combustion type burner that burns a mixed gas, which is a mixture of fuel gas and primary air, in a mixing device. In this embodiment, the two burner units 16 located at the front of the gas stove 10 on the top plate 14 are the same size, while the burner unit 16 located at the rear is smaller than the other two. Note that each burner unit 16 may be of different sizes, or all three may be the same size.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the stove burner device 16 has a burner body 20 that is inserted through a burner opening in the top plate 14, and a burner head 30 that is positioned on top of the burner body 20.

[0031] The outer circumferential surface of the burner head 30 has a main flame port 31 and a secondary flame port 32 located below the main flame port 31. Numerous main flame ports 31 and secondary flame ports 32 are formed in the circumferential direction. The total opening area of ​​the secondary flame ports 32 is smaller than the total opening area of ​​the main flame port 31.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the burner body 20 has a triple cylindrical structure consisting of an inner cylinder 21, a middle cylinder 22, and an outer cylinder 23. The burner head 30 is composed of a substantially annular lower head member 33 and a substantially disc-shaped upper head member 34 positioned above the lower head member 33. The lower part of the lower head member 33 is an outer cylindrical portion 33a that hangs down in a cylindrical shape. An inner cylindrical portion 34a is provided protruding from the lower surface of the upper head member 34, hanging down in a short cylindrical shape inside the outer cylindrical portion 33a. The inner circumferential surface of the middle cylinder 22 of the burner body 20 fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 33a of the lower head member 33, and the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 21 of the burner body 20 fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical portion 34a of the upper head member 34.

[0033] The main flame port 31 communicates with the main space 35, which is enclosed by the lower head member 33, the upper head member 34, the inner cylinder 21 of the burner body 20, and the middle cylinder 22 of the burner body 20. These lower head member 33, upper head member 34, inner cylinder 21, and middle cylinder 22 constitute the main burner section 36 having the main flame port 31.

[0034] The secondary flame port 32 communicates with a secondary space 37 enclosed by the lower head member 33, the inner cylinder 22 of the burner body 20, and the outer cylinder 23 of the burner body 20. These lower head member 33, inner cylinder 22, and outer cylinder 23 constitute a secondary burner section 38 having the secondary flame port 32 and adjacent to the lower side of the main burner section 36. The main burner section 36 and the secondary burner section 38 constitute a burner 39 that burns fuel gas. As described above, since the total opening area of ​​the secondary flame port 32 is smaller than the total opening area of ​​the main flame port 31, the maximum heat output of the secondary burner section 38 is smaller than the maximum heat output of the main burner section 36.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the stove burner device 16 has a mixing pipe 41 for the main burner section and a mixing pipe 42 for the sub-burner section. The mixing pipe 41 for the main burner section communicates with the space between the inner cylinder 21 and the middle cylinder 22 in the burner body 20, i.e., the main space 35. The mixing pipe 42 for the sub-burner section communicates with the space between the middle cylinder 22 and the outer cylinder 23 in the burner body 20, i.e., the sub-space 37.

[0036] Furthermore, the stove burner device 16 includes a common gas supply passage 51, a gas supply passage 52 for the main burner section, and a gas supply passage 53 for the sub-burner section.

[0037] The common gas supply line 51 supplies fuel gas from an external source to the burner 39. The main burner section gas supply line 52 branches off from the common gas supply line 51 and is connected to the main burner section mixing pipe 41. The sub-burner section gas supply line 53 branches off from the common gas supply line 51 and is connected to the sub-burner section mixing pipe 42. In this way, fuel gas from an external source is supplied to the main burner section 36 via the common gas supply line 51, the main burner section gas supply line 52, and the main burner section mixing pipe 41. In addition, fuel gas from an external source is supplied to the sub-burner section 38 via the common gas supply line 51, the sub-burner section gas supply line 53, and the sub-burner section mixing pipe 42. Since the maximum heat output of the sub-burner section 38 is lower than that of the main burner section 36, the pipe resistance of the sub-burner section gas supply line 53 is higher than that of the main burner section gas supply line 52.

[0038] Furthermore, the stove burner device 16 includes a safety valve 54, a gas volume control valve 55, an on / off valve 56, a flame intensity indicator 57, an ignition means 58, a flame detection means 59, and a controller 60. The controller 60 is an example of a "control means" in the present invention.

[0039] The safety valve 54 is located in the common gas supply passage 51. The safety valve 54 consists of an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the common gas supply passage 51. When the safety valve 54 is opened, fuel gas can be supplied to the burner 39. When the safety valve 54 is closed, the common gas supply passage 51 is shut off, and the supply of fuel gas to the burner 39 is stopped.

[0040] The gas flow control valve 55 is located downstream of the safety valve 54 in the common gas supply passage 51. The gas flow control valve 55 adjusts the amount of fuel gas supplied to the burner 39 by changing its opening degree (valve opening). The gas flow control valve 55 has a rotating disk driven by a stepping motor. In the gas flow control valve 55, the rotating disk, which acts as the valve body driven by the stepping motor, rotates in stages in multiple steps, thereby changing the opening degree in stages. This changes the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the common gas supply passage 51 in stages, and adjusts the amount of fuel gas flowing through the common gas supply passage 51.

[0041] The on-off valve 56 is installed in the gas supply passage 52 for the main burner section. The on-off valve 56 is an electromagnetic on-off valve that opens and closes the gas supply passage 52 for the main burner section. When the on-off valve 56 is opened, the gas supply passage 52 for the main burner section is opened, so fuel gas is supplied to the main burner section 36 via the gas supply passage 52, and fuel gas is also supplied to the sub-burner section 38 via the gas supply passage 53 for the sub-burner section. On the other hand, when the on-off valve 56 is closed, the gas supply passage 52 for the main burner section is shut off, so fuel gas is supplied only to the sub-burner section 38 via the gas supply passage 53 for the sub-burner section.

[0042] The heat output instruction means 57 instructs the heat output of the burners 39 in each stove burner device 16 in response to the user's operation of the heat output adjustment switch included in the stove operation unit 19. The user can adjust the heat output of each stove burner device 16 in steps of multiple levels by operating the heat output adjustment switch.

[0043] In this embodiment, the flame intensity of the burner 39 can be adjusted in 11 stages. The flame intensity of the burner 39 is at its minimum when set to flame intensity 1, and at its maximum when set to flame intensity 11. Furthermore, the combustion state of the burner 39 is a single combustion state in which only the sub-burner section 38 burns when the flame intensity is set to 1 to 3, and a simultaneous combustion state in which the main burner section 36 and the sub-burner section 38 burn simultaneously when the flame intensity is set to 4 to 11.

[0044] The ignition means 58 has an ignition electrode for igniting the sub-burner section 38. The flame detection means 59 has a thermocouple for detecting the flame of the sub-burner section 38.

[0045] The controller 60 consists of a microcomputer and is electrically connected to the safety valve 54, gas volume control valve 55, on-off valve 56, and ignition means 58. The controller 60 also receives signals from the ignition / extinguishing switch and the flame intensity adjustment switch (which acts as a flame intensity indicator means 57) included in the stove operation unit 19, as well as from the flame detection means 59. Based on the signals from the ignition / extinguishing switch, the flame intensity adjustment switch, and the flame detection means 59, the controller 60 controls the operation of the safety valve 54, gas volume control valve 55, on-off valve 56, and ignition means 58.

[0046] When igniting the burner 39, the controller 60 opens the safety valve 54 and activates the ignition means 58 based on the ignition signal from the ignition / extinguishing switch. When adjusting the flame output of the burner 39, the controller 60 controls the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 to adjust the flame output of the burner 39 based on the flame output instruction signal from the flame output adjustment switch. Furthermore, when extinguishing the burner 39, the controller 60 closes the safety valve 54 based on the extinguishing signal from the ignition / extinguishing switch and the misfire detection signal from the flame detection means 59 that has detected a misfire in the sub-burner section 38.

[0047] Furthermore, the controller 60 controls the opening and closing of the on-off valve 56 and the opening degree of the gas volume control valve 55 based on the heat output instruction from the heat output instruction means 57 to change the heat output of the burner 39. As shown in Figure 4, when the instruction from the heat output instruction means 57 is heat output 1, the opening degree of the gas volume control valve 55 is set to θ1, and fuel gas is supplied to the burner 39 with a heat output input of the amount of gas supplied (kcal / h) necessary to set the heat output of the burner 39 to heat output 1. Similarly, the opening degree is set to θ2 when the heat output is 2, and to θ3 when the heat output is 3, and so on, with opening degrees set to θ4 to θ11 for heat outputs 4 to 11 respectively, and fuel gas is supplied to the burner 39 with a predetermined heat output input.

[0048] In the following explanation, for example, the opening degree of the gas flow control valve 55 that obtains a heat output of 1 is called the heat output 1 opening degree θ1, the opening degree of the gas flow control valve 55 that obtains a heat output of 2 is called the heat output 2 opening degree θ2, and so on, the opening degree of the gas flow control valve 55 that obtains a heat output of n is called the heat output n opening degree θn (where n is a natural number from 1 to 11).

[0049] In this embodiment, when the flame intensity indicator 57 indicates flame intensity levels 1 to 3, the controller 50 closes the on-off valve 56 and sets the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 to θ1 to θ3, corresponding to flame intensity levels 1 to 3, respectively. As a result, the flame intensity of the burner 39 is set to flame intensity levels 1 to 3, and the combustion state of the burner 39 is set to a single combustion state where only the sub-burner section 38 burns. Furthermore, when the flame intensity indicator 57 indicates flame intensity levels 4 to 11, the controller 50 opens the on-off valve 56 and sets the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 to θ4 to θ11, corresponding to flame intensity levels 4 to 11, respectively. As a result, the flame intensity of the burner 39 is set to flame intensity levels 4 to 11, and the combustion state of the burner 39 is set to a simultaneous combustion state where the main burner section 36 and the sub-burner section 38 burn simultaneously.

[0050] In this stove burner device 16, the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output is set to be greater than the maximum single-burner heat output. Specifically, the heat input for heat output 4, which is the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output, is set to be greater than the heat input for heat output 3, which is the maximum single-burner heat output. On the other hand, the opening degree of the gas volume control valve 55 that obtains the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output is set to be smaller than the opening degree of the gas volume control valve 55 that obtains the maximum single-burner heat output. Specifically, the opening degree of the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output θ4 is set to be smaller than the opening degree of the maximum single-burner heat output θ3.

[0051] Furthermore, in this stove burner device 16, the controller 60 is set to have a first intermediate opening and a second intermediate opening, which are openings smaller than the maximum single-burner opening θ3 and greater than or equal to the minimum simultaneous-burner opening θ4. Specifically, the opening θ6 of the gas volume control valve 55 that obtains a flame of 6 is set as the first intermediate opening θ6 and the second intermediate opening θ6. The first intermediate opening θ6 is an example of an "intermediate opening" in the present invention. In this embodiment, the opening θ of the gas volume control valve 55 when the on-off valve 56 is opened to switch the combustion state of the burner 39 from a single-burner state to a simultaneous-burner state is the first intermediate opening θ6, and the opening θ of the gas volume control valve 55 when the on-off valve 56 is closed to switch the combustion state of the burner 39 from a simultaneous-burner state to a single-burner state is the second intermediate opening θ6.

[0052] In this stove burner device 16, if the user instructs to change the flame of the burner 39 via the flame intensity instruction means 57 by operating the flame intensity adjustment switch while the burner 39 is burning, the controller 60 performs flame intensity change control as shown in Figure 5, according to the current flame intensity (combustion state) of the burner 39 and the instructed flame intensity.

[0053] In the following explanation, the current flame power of the burner 39 at the time the flame power instruction means 57 instructs the burner 39 to change its flame power is referred to as the current flame power, and the degree to which the gas volume control valve 55 opens to obtain that current flame power is referred to as the current flame power opening. Furthermore, when the flame power instruction means 57 instructs the burner 39 to change its flame power, the instructed flame power is referred to as the instructed flame power, and the degree to which the gas volume control valve 55 opens to obtain that instructed flame power is referred to as the instructed flame power opening.

[0054] Furthermore, in the normal change control shown in Figure 5, when a heat output instruction is given via the heat output instruction means 57 to change the heat output of the burner 39, the opening degree of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the current heat output opening degree to the instructed heat output opening degree at a normal opening / closing speed which is a predetermined opening / closing speed set in advance.

[0055] If, while the burner 39 is burning, an instruction is given via the flame intensity instruction means 57 to change the flame intensity of the burner 39, it is first determined whether the current combustion state of the burner 39 is a single combustion state, that is, whether the current flame intensity is flame intensity 1 to 3 (step S1). Any of the current flame intensity levels 1 to 3 is an example of the "first flame intensity" in this invention.

[0056] If the current firepower of burner 39 in step S1 is firepower 1 to 3 (YES in step S1), it is determined whether the target firepower is firepower 4 to 11 (step S2). Any of the target firepower values ​​from 4 to 11 is an example of the "second firepower" in this invention.

[0057] If the indicated firepower in step S2 is between 4 and 11 (YES in step S2), then in steps S3 to S5, the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the current firepower opening to the indicated firepower opening. That is, the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from one of the current firepower openings θ1 to θ3 that obtains one of the current firepower levels 1 to 3 to the first intermediate opening θ6 (step S3), then the on-off valve 56 is opened (step S4), and then the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the first intermediate opening θ6 to one of the indicated firepower openings θ4 to θ11 that obtain one of the indicated firepower levels 4 to 11 (step S5).

[0058] If, after the Burner 39's firepower is changed to a specified firepower of 4-11 in step S5, there is another firepower instruction that further modifies the Burner 39's firepower, proceed to step S7.

[0059] On the other hand, if the indicated flame level in step S2 is flame level 1 to 3 (NO in step S2), normal change control is performed (step S6). That is, the opening degree of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from one of the current flame level opening degrees θ1 to θ3 to one of the indicated flame level opening degrees θ1 to θ3.

[0060] In step S6, if the firepower of burner 39 is changed to instructed firepower 1-3 by normal change control, and there is another firepower instruction to further change the firepower of burner 39, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0061] Furthermore, if the current firepower of Burner 39 in step S1 is between 4 and 11 (NO in step S1), it is determined whether the target firepower is between 1 and 3 (step S7).

[0062] If the indicated firepower in step S7 is between firepower 1 and 3 (YES in step S7), then in steps S8 to S10, the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the current firepower opening to the indicated firepower opening. That is, the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from one of the current firepower openings θ4 to θ11 that obtains one of the current firepowers between 4 and 11 to the second intermediate opening θ6 (step S8), then the on-off valve 56 is closed (step S9), and then the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the second intermediate opening θ6 to one of the indicated firepower openings θ1 to θ3 that obtain one of the indicated firepowers between 1 and 3 (step S10).

[0063] If, after the Burner 39's firepower is changed to a specified firepower level of 1-3 in step S10, there is another firepower instruction that further modifies the Burner 39's firepower, proceed to step S2.

[0064] On the other hand, if the indicated flame level in step S7 is between 4 and 11 (NO in step S7), normal change control is performed (step S11). That is, the opening degree of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from one of the current flame level opening degrees θ4 to θ11 to one of the indicated flame level opening degrees θ4 to θ11.

[0065] In step S11, after the firepower of burner 39 is changed to a specified firepower of 4-11 by normal change control, if there is another firepower instruction to further change the firepower of burner 39, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0066] Thus, in this stove burner device 16, if there is an instruction to change the flame of the burner 39 from one of flame levels 1 to 3 to one of flame levels 4 to 11 (steps S1 and S2), the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the current flame level opening θ1 to θ3 to the first intermediate opening θ6 (step S3), the on / off valve 56 is opened (step S4), and then the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the first intermediate opening θ6 to one of the instructed flame level openings θ4 to θ11 (step S5).

[0067] In other words, in this stove burner device 16, when the controller 60 switches the combustion state of the burner 39 from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state, it opens the on-off valve 56 when the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is at a first intermediate opening θ6, which is smaller than the maximum single combustion opening θ3. Therefore, in this stove burner device 16, compared to the case where the on-off valve 56 is opened when the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is at the maximum single combustion opening θ3, the heat output of the sub-burner section 38 is smaller and the amount of fuel gas supplied to the main burner section 36 is also smaller when transitioning from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state. As a result, this stove burner device 16 can suppress the excessive heat output of the burner 39 immediately after transitioning from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state.

[0068] Therefore, with this stove burner device 16 and gas stove 10, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of flame overflow immediately after the transition from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state.

[0069] In particular, in this stove burner device 16, when an instruction is given to change the flame of the burner 39 from one of the first flame levels 1 to 3 in the single-burner state to one of the second flame levels 4 to 11 in the simultaneous-burner state, the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the first flame opening to obtain the first flame level to the first intermediate opening θ6, and then to the second flame opening to obtain the second flame level. Therefore, while suppressing the occurrence of flame overflow, the user can change to the desired burner flame level when switching from the single-burner state to the simultaneous-burner state. In addition, because the controller 60 can quickly recognize the user's intention to switch from the single-burner state to the simultaneous-burner state, it is easier to recognize the desired flame level instruction when the user operates the flame level adjustment switch.

[0070] Furthermore, in this stove burner device 16, when switching from a single-burner state to a simultaneous-burner state, the on-off valve 56 may be opened when the gas volume control valve 55 is at a first intermediate opening θ6, which is greater than the minimum simultaneous-burner opening θ4 (flame output 4) (flame output 4 does not include θ4). In this case, compared to the case where the on-off valve 56 is opened when the gas volume control valve 55 is at the minimum simultaneous-burner opening θ4, the flame output of the sub-burner section 38 is greater, and the amount of fuel gas supplied to the main burner section 36 is also greater, when transitioning from a single-burner state to a simultaneous-burner state. That is, the on-off valve 56 is opened at a timing when the flame output of the sub-burner section 38 is relatively large and a sufficient amount of fuel gas is supplied to the main burner section 36. As a result, this stove burner device 16 can quickly transfer the combustion flame of the sub-burner section 38 to the main burner section 36 immediately after transitioning from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a delay in flame transfer.

[0071] Furthermore, in this stove burner device 16, if there is an instruction to change the flame of the burner 39 from one of flame levels 4 to 11 to one of flame levels 1 to 3 (steps S1 and S7), the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the current flame level opening θ4 to θ11 to the second intermediate opening θ6 (step S8), the on / off valve 56 is closed (step S9), and then the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is changed from the second intermediate opening θ6 to one of the instructed flame level openings θ1 to θ3 (step S10).

[0072] In other words, in this stove burner device 16, when the controller 60 switches the combustion state of the burner 39 from simultaneous combustion to single combustion, it closes the on-off valve 56 when the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is at a second intermediate opening θ6, which is smaller than the single combustion maximum power opening θ3. Therefore, in this stove burner device 16, the increase in the amount of fuel gas supplied to the sub-burner section 38 when transitioning from simultaneous combustion to single combustion is smaller compared to the case where the on-off valve 56 is closed when the opening of the gas volume control valve 55 is at the single combustion maximum heat opening θ3. As a result, in this stove burner device 16, even if, for example, spilled liquid adheres to the sub-flame port 32 of the sub-burner section 38 during long-term use of the stove burner device 16, it is possible to suppress a significant increase in the amount of fuel gas supplied to the sub-burner section 38 immediately after transitioning from simultaneous combustion to single combustion, thereby suppressing the yellow flame generated due to a temporary lack of primary air from extending towards the cooking container.

[0073] Therefore, with this stove burner device 16 and gas stove 10, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of soot on cooking containers by the yellow flame generated in the sub-burner section 38 immediately after the transition from simultaneous combustion to single combustion.

[0074] In particular, in this stove burner device 16, when an instruction is given to change the flame of the burner 39 from one of the flame levels 4 to 11 in the simultaneous combustion state to one of the flame levels 1 to 3 in the single combustion state, the opening degree of the gas flow control valve 55 is changed from one of the flame level 4 opening degrees θ4 to flame level 11 opening degrees θ11 to obtain flame levels 4 to 11, to the second intermediate opening degree θ6, and then to the flame level 1 opening degrees θ1 to flame level 3 opening degrees θ3 to obtain flame levels 1 to 3. This suppresses soot buildup on the cooking container and allows the user to change the flame level of the burner 39 to their desired level when switching from the simultaneous combustion state to the single combustion state. Furthermore, because the controller 60 can easily recognize the user's desired flame level instruction when operating the flame level adjustment switch, it can quickly recognize the user's intention to switch from the simultaneous combustion state to the single combustion state.

[0075] Furthermore, in this stove burner device 16, when switching from a simultaneous combustion state to a single combustion state, the on-off valve 56 may be closed when the gas volume control valve 55 is at a second intermediate opening θ6, which is greater than the minimum simultaneous combustion opening θ4 (heat output 4 opening θ4) (but does not include the heat output 4 opening θ4). In this case, compared to the case where the on-off valve 56 is closed when the gas volume control valve 55 is at the minimum simultaneous combustion opening θ4, the amount of fuel gas supplied to the sub-burner section 38 is greater when transitioning from a simultaneous combustion state to a single combustion state, and consequently, the amount of primary air supplied to the sub-burner section 38 is also greater. As a result, in this stove burner device 16, a temporary shortage of primary air due to the increase in the amount of fuel gas supplied to the sub-burner section 38 immediately after transitioning from a simultaneous combustion state to a single combustion state can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a temporary yellow flame in the sub-burner section 38 immediately after the transition from simultaneous combustion to single combustion.

[0076] Furthermore, the heat output obtained at the first intermediate opening θ6 and the second intermediate opening θ6 is heat output 6, which is one of the heat outputs 1 to 11 that are set to be adjustable by the user in the burner 39. Therefore, since there is no need to set a new predetermined intermediate opening, control by the controller 60 becomes easier.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to examples, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be applied with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0078] In the embodiment, the opening degree θ6 of the gas volume control valve 55 that obtains the heat output 6 is set to either the first intermediate opening degree θ6 or the second intermediate opening degree θ6, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first intermediate opening degree and the second intermediate opening degree can each be appropriately set to an opening degree smaller than the maximum heat output opening degree for single combustion and greater than or equal to the minimum heat output opening degree for simultaneous combustion. However, from the viewpoint of minimizing the visual change in heat output when switching from a single combustion state to a simultaneous combustion state, it is preferable that the first intermediate opening degree and the second intermediate opening degree are closer to the maximum heat output opening degree for single combustion than to the minimum heat output opening degree for simultaneous combustion. The first intermediate opening degree and the second intermediate opening degree may be different from each other.

[0079] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the first intermediate opening θ6 for obtaining the heat output 6 in the simultaneous combustion state is set as the first intermediate opening and the second intermediate opening, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the heat output opening for obtaining the heat output between heat output 6 and heat output 7 in the simultaneous combustion state, or the heat output opening for obtaining the heat output between heat output 2 and heat output 3 in the single combustion state, may be set as the first intermediate opening or the second intermediate opening.

[0080] In the embodiment, a gas flow control valve is used in which the valve opening is adjusted by rotating a disc driven by a stepping motor, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a rod or needle that moves back and forth may be used instead of a rotating disc, or an electric valve equipped with another motor may be used as the gas flow control valve.

[0081] In this embodiment, the burner's flame intensity can be adjusted to 11 levels, from level 1 to level 11. However, the number of levels can be changed as needed, and it is also possible to make it infinitely variable. Furthermore, the number of levels for each flame intensity in both single-burner and simultaneous-burner states can also be changed as needed.

[0082] In this embodiment, the sub-burner section 38 is positioned adjacent to the lower part of the main burner section 36, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sub-burner section may be positioned adjacent to the inside of the annular main burner section.

[0083] In the gas stove of the embodiment, some of the multiple stove burner devices may be an electromagnetic induction heating section equipped with an IH coil or an electric heating section equipped with an electric heater.

[0084] In the embodiments described, a gas stove as a cooking appliance equipped with the gas burner device of the present invention was explained, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the gas burner device of the present invention may be applied to a grill burner device, or to other heating appliances other than cooking appliances. [Industrial applicability]

[0085] The present invention can be used, for example, in kitchens in homes or kitchen equipment in facilities. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 10…Gas stove (cooking appliance) 16…Stove burner device (gas burner device) 36... Main burner section 38... Sub-burner section 39... Burner 51…Common gas supply channels 52...Gas supply line for main burner section 53...Gas supply line for auxiliary burner section 55... Gas volume control valve 56… Shut-off valve 57…Firepower instruction means 60…Controller (control means)

Claims

1. A burner having a main burner section and a sub-burner section adjacent to the main burner section, with a maximum heat output smaller than that of the main burner section, for burning fuel gas, A common gas supply path for supplying the fuel gas to the burner, A gas supply line for the main burner section is branched off from the common gas supply line and supplies the fuel gas to the main burner section, A gas supply line for the sub-burner section is branched from the common gas supply line and supplies the fuel gas to the sub-burner section, A gas flow control valve is provided in the common gas supply line and adjusts the amount of fuel gas supplied to the burner, A shut-off valve is provided in the gas supply passage for the main burner section, which opens and closes the gas supply passage for the main burner section. A heat output indicating means for indicating the heat output of the burner, A gas burner device comprising control means for changing the flame of the burner by controlling the opening and closing of the on-off valve and the opening degree of the gas volume control valve based on the instructions of the flame intensity indicator means, The combustion state of the burner is such that when the on-off valve is open, the main burner section and the sub-burner section burn simultaneously, and when the on-off valve is closed, only the sub-burner section burns, resulting in a single-burner combustion state. The flame power of the burner in each of the simultaneous combustion state and the single-burner combustion state can be changed via the flame power indicator means. In a gas burner device in which the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output, which is the minimum heat output in the simultaneous combustion state, is set to be greater than the maximum single-combustion heat output, which is the maximum heat output in the single-combustion state, but the opening degree of the gas flow control valve that obtains the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output, which is the minimum simultaneous combustion heat output opening degree, is set to be smaller than the opening degree of the gas flow control valve that obtains the maximum single-combustion heat output, The control means is characterized in that when the opening of the gas volume control valve is smaller than the opening of the single-combustion maximum heat output valve and is greater than or equal to the opening of the simultaneous combustion minimum heat output valve, the control means opens the on-off valve to switch the combustion state of the burner from the single-combustion state to the simultaneous combustion state.

2. The gas burner device according to claim 1, wherein when an instruction is given to change the flame of the burner from a first flame in the single-burn state to a second flame in the simultaneous-burn state, the control means changes the opening of the gas volume control valve from a first flame opening to obtain the first flame to an intermediate opening, and then changes it to a second flame opening to obtain the second flame.

3. The aforementioned heat output control means is adjustable to one of several preset heat output levels. The gas burner device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second heat sources are any of the multiple heat sources described above.

4. The aforementioned heat output control means is adjustable to one of several preset heat output levels. The gas burner device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the heat output obtained by the intermediate opening is one of the heat outputs from the multiple stages of heat output.

5. A cooking appliance characterized by being equipped with a gas burner device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images