Heating Regulator

Abstract

We provide a cooking device that can accurately detect the heat output of a heat source with a simple configuration. [Solution] The flame control device includes a flame detection cam 70 and a flame detection switch 91. When the operating knob is in the first position, which sets the middle burner to low flame, the fourth cam surface 74 of the flame detection cam 70 is positioned at a location where it slides with the flame detection switch 91. When the operating knob is in the third position, which sets the middle burner to low flame, the third cam surface 73 is positioned at a location where it slides with the flame detection switch 91. When the operating knob is in the second position, which sets the middle burner to high flame, the first cam surface 71 is positioned at a location where it slides with the flame detection switch 91. The controller determines that the burner is at low flame when the flame detection switch 91 is off, and determines that the middle burner is at high flame when the flame detection switch 91 is on.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking heater.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a gas stove equipped with an operation knob for flame adjustment, and a rotary encoder for detecting the operation angle of the operation knob is attached behind the operation knob (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When the operation knob is rotated, the rotary encoder detects the amount of rotation and inputs the detected amount of rotation to the control unit. The control unit determines the flame of the heating source from the input amount of rotation and determines the opening degree of the flow control valve according to the flame. The control unit operates the motor attached to the flow control valve so that the opening degree becomes the determined opening degree, and increases or decreases the opening degree of the flow control valve.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the structure of the rotary encoder is complicated, there is a problem that the number of parts is large and it is relatively expensive. Specifically, since the rotary encoder has many contacts, there are structural problems such as an increase in the number of electrical wirings, and control problems such as the need to process many signals as software. In addition, there is also a problem that the signal of the output rotation amount may include various angular errors, such as those caused by shaft misalignment, eccentricity, aging changes, and changes in the use environment when the device is attached.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooking heater that can accurately detect the flame of a heating source with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The heating appliance according to claim 1 is a heating appliance equipped with a heat adjustment device for adjusting the heat output of a heating source, and is equipped with a controller for controlling the operation of the heating appliance, the heat adjustment device comprising an operating knob that rotates around a rotation axis, a heat detection cam having a cam surface on its outer circumference and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the operating knob around the rotation axis, and a first switch which is a microswitch provided at a position that contacts the cam surface of the heat detection cam and is turned on and off by sliding the cam surface, the cam surface having a first cam surface and a second cam surface that protrude radially outward from the heat detection cam and contacts the first switch to turn it on, and the first cam surface and front The controller is characterized in that it is recessed radially inward of the flame detection cam than the second cam surface and comprises a third cam surface and a fourth cam surface that turn off the first switch, and when the operating knob is in the first flame position, which defines the flame as the first flame, the third cam surface or the fourth cam surface is positioned to slide with the first switch, and when the operating knob is in the second flame position, which defines the flame as the second flame, the first cam surface or the second cam surface is positioned to slide with the first switch, and when the first switch is off, the controller determines that the flame is the first flame, and when the first switch is on, it determines that the flame is the second flame.

[0007] The heating cooker according to claim 2 includes a second switch, which is a microswitch, located on the opposite side of the first switch with the heat detection cam in between, and which is turned on and off by sliding the cam surface. The controller may determine that the heating source is in an extinguished state when both the first and second switches are off, determine that the heat level is the first heat level when the first switch is off and the second switch is on, and determine that the heat level is the second heat level when both the first and second switches are on.

[0008] In the heating cooker according to claim 3, when the operating knob is in the initial position that puts the heating source into the extinguished state, the third cam surface and the fourth cam surface are positioned at positions that slide with the first switch and the second switch, respectively; when the operating knob is in the first heat position, either the third cam surface or the fourth cam surface is positioned at a position that slides with the first switch, and either the first cam surface or the second cam surface is positioned at a position that slides with the second switch; and when the operating knob is in the second heat position, the first cam surface and the second cam surface are positioned at positions that slide with the first switch and the second switch, respectively.

[0009] The operating knob of the heating cooker according to claim 4 is rotatable in forward and reverse directions about the rotation axis, and the cam surface is provided with the first cam surface, the third cam surface, the second cam surface, and the fourth cam surface in order from the upstream side in the forward rotation direction of the operating knob, and the rotation position when the operating knob is rotated in the forward direction from the initial position includes a first position where the operating knob has rotated in the forward direction from the initial position and passed a first angle, a second position where the operating knob has rotated further in the forward direction than the first angle and passed a second angle, and a third position where the operating knob has rotated further in the forward direction than the second angle and passed a third angle, and the heat of the heating source is the first heat while the operating knob is rotated from the initial position to the second position, the second heat while the operating knob is rotated from the second position to the third position, and the heat when the operating knob is rotated The first heat setting is achieved while the knob is rotated from position 3 to the fully rotated position, the first and third positions correspond to the first heat setting position, and the second position corresponds to the second heat setting position. When the operating knob is in the initial position, the fourth cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the third cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. When the operating knob is in the first position, the fourth cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the first cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. When the operating knob is in the second position, the second cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the first cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. When the operating knob is in the third position, the third cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the first cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch.

[0010] The second heat source in the cooking appliance of claim 5 may be stronger than the first heat source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the heating appliance of claim 1, the heat output of the heating source can be detected by switching the heat output detection cam and the first switch on and off, thus eliminating the need for complex control and allowing for a simple configuration.

[0012] According to the heating appliance of claim 2, the heat detection cam has the function of turning on and off the second switch in addition to the function of turning on and off the first switch, so the heat control device can be made smaller. Furthermore, by determining the heat level with two switches, it is expected that the accuracy of heat level determination will be improved. For example, depending on the combination of on and off states of the two switches, it may also be possible to detect errors.

[0013] According to the heating appliance of claim 3, when the operating knob is in the initial position, both the first switch and the second switch are off. When the operating knob is in the first position, the first switch is off and the second switch is on. When the operating knob is in the second position, both the first switch and the second switch are on. Therefore, the heating appliance can detect whether the heating source is in the off state, first heat setting, or second heat setting depending on the rotation position of the operating knob.

[0014] According to the heating appliance of claim 4, when the operating knob is in the initial position, both the first switch and the second switch are off. When the operating knob is in the first or third position, the first switch is off and the second switch is on. When the operating knob is in the second position, both the first switch and the second switch are on. Therefore, the heating appliance can detect whether the heating source is in the extinguished state, first heat setting, or second heat setting depending on the rotation position of the operating knob.

[0015] According to the heating appliance of claim 5, the heat output of the heating source can be adjusted to a first heat output and a second heat output that is stronger than the first heat output by rotating the control knob. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of gas stove 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of gas stove 1 (without trivet). [Figure 3] This is a plan view of gas stove 1 (without trivet). [Figure 4]Exploded perspective view of the gas stove 1 (without a trivet). [Figure 5] Plan view showing the internal structure of the housing 2. [Figure 6] Perspective view showing the structure of the upper surface of the middle bottom plate 60. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the infrared temperature sensor 51. [Figure 8] Perspective view showing the state where infrared rays radiated from the object W to be heated on the trivet 4 are guided to the infrared temperature sensor 51 through the opening 312. [Figure 9] Plan view showing the state where infrared rays radiated from the object W to be heated on the trivet are guided to the infrared temperature sensor 51 through the opening 312. [Figure 10] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gas stove 1. [Figure 11] Graph showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the operation knob and the heating power of the middle burner. [Figure 12] Partial enlarged view of the W1 region shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 13] Plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (initial position). [Figure 14] Plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (first position).[[ID=3l]] [Figure 15] Plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (second position). [Figure 16] Plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (third position). [Figure 17] Plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (fourth position). [Figure 18] Flowchart of the heating power determination process. [Figure 19] Table showing the relationship between the on / off combinations of the heating power detection switch and the substrate switch and the heating power of the middle burner.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Unless otherwise specified, the devices, component configurations, etc., described below are not intended to be limiting, but are merely illustrative examples. The drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that the present invention may adopt. In this embodiment, the front / back, left / right, and up / down orientations shown in the figures will be used for explanation. Also, the scales of the figures do not necessarily coincide with each other, and have been appropriately enlarged or reduced depending on the object being illustrated.

[0018] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the configuration of the gas stove 1 will be described. The gas stove 1 is a built-in stove and is mounted on a kitchen counter (not shown). The gas stove 1 comprises a casing 2 and a top plate 3. The top plate 3 is fixed to the top of the casing 2. A trivet 4 is installed on the top surface of the top plate 3.

[0019] The structure of the top plate 3 will now be described. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the top plate 3 is roughly rectangular in plan view. A cooktop area 3A is provided on the upper right side of the top plate 3, and a cooktop area 3B is provided on the upper left side. Cooktop areas 3A and 3B are roughly rectangular areas that are recessed downwards and are long in the front-to-back direction in plan view. As shown in Figure 4, a burner mounting base 31 is provided on the front side of cooktop area 3A, and a burner mounting base 32 is provided on the rear side. A burner mounting base 33 is provided on the front side of cooktop area 3B, and a burner mounting base 34 is provided on the rear side. The burner mounting bases 31 to 34 are roughly frustoconical in shape, and a roughly circular plane is formed on their upper surface in plan view.

[0020] A roughly circular through-hole 311 is provided in the center of the upper surface 31A of the burner mounting base 31. The upper part of the burner body 5A, described later and located inside the housing 2, is positioned inside the through-hole 311. The burner head 5B is installed on the upper surface 31A. The burner head 5B is mounted on the upper part of the burner body 5A via the through-hole 311. The burner body 5A and the burner head 5B constitute the central burner 5 (see Figure 2). An igniter electrode 501 and a thermocouple 502 (see Figure 5) are supported near the burner head 5B.

[0021] On the upper surface 31A, an opening 312 is provided behind the insertion hole 311. The opening 312 is a smaller circular hole than the insertion hole 311. The opening 312 is located at a position where the optical axis R1 of the first light-receiving element 58 and the optical axis R2 of the second light-receiving element 59 of the infrared temperature sensor 51, which is provided inside the housing 2, intersect and pass through (see Figure 8).

[0022] Similar to the burner mounting base 31, a through-hole 321 is provided in the center of the upper surface 32A of the burner mounting base 32. Inside the through-hole 321 is the upper part of the burner body 6A, which will be described later and is located inside the housing 2. The burner head 6B is located on the upper surface 32A. The burner head 6B is attached to the upper part of the burner body 6A via the through-hole 321. The burner body 6A and the burner head 6B constitute the medium burner 6 (see Figure 2). On the upper surface 32A, an opening 322 is provided behind the through-hole 321. The opening 322 is located at a position where the two optical axes of the infrared temperature sensor 52, which will be described later and is located inside the housing 2, intersect and pass through.

[0023] An insertion hole 331 is provided in the center of the upper surface 33A of the burner mounting base 33. The upper part of the burner body 7A, described later and installed inside the housing 2, is positioned inside the insertion hole 331. The burner head 7B is installed on the upper surface 33A. The burner head 7B is attached to the upper part of the burner body 7A via the insertion hole 331. The burner body 7A and the burner head 7B constitute a small burner 7 (see Figure 2). On the upper surface 33A, an opening 332 is provided behind the insertion hole 331. The opening 332 is located at a position where the two optical axes of the infrared temperature sensor 53, described later and installed inside the housing 2, intersect and pass through.

[0024] An insertion hole 341 is provided in the center of the upper surface 34A of the burner mounting base 34. The upper part of the burner body 8A, described later and located inside the housing 2, is positioned inside the insertion hole 341. The burner head 8B is installed on the upper surface 34A. The burner head 8B is attached to the upper part of the burner body 8A via the insertion hole 341. The burner body 8A and the burner head 8B constitute the large burner 8 (see Figure 2). On the upper surface 34A, an opening 342 is provided behind the insertion hole 341. The opening 342 is located at a position where the two optical axes of the infrared temperature sensor 54, described later and located inside the housing 2, intersect and pass through.

[0025] The medium burners 5 and 6, the small burner 7, and the large burner 8 are Bunsen combustion type external flame burners. Burner heads 5B, 6B, 7B, and 8B are equipped with multiple flame ports arranged in an annular outward direction. The multiple flame ports eject flames outward. Although not described in detail here, igniter electrodes and thermocouples are supported near each of the burner heads 6B, 7B, and 8B, similar to burner head 5B.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, four control knobs 11 to 14 are provided on the front upper surface of the top plate 3, spaced apart from right to left, in order from right to left. Control knobs 11 and 12 are positioned in front of the cooktop area 3A. Control knobs 13 and 14 are positioned in front of the cooktop area 3B. Control knobs 11 and 12 are connected to the heat control devices 41 and 42, respectively, located inside the housing 2, via round holes 35 and 36 (see Figure 4) provided on the right half of the front front of the top plate 3. Control knobs 13 and 14 are connected to the heat control devices 43 and 44, respectively, located inside the housing 2, via round holes 37 and 38 (see Figure 4) provided on the left half of the front front of the top plate 3. These control knobs 11 to 14 rotate around the corresponding rotating shafts 40A (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0027] The user can rotate the control knob 11 to ignite, extinguish, and adjust the flame of the medium burner 5. The user can rotate the control knob 12 to ignite, extinguish, and adjust the flame of the medium burner 6. The user can rotate the control knob 13 to ignite, extinguish, and adjust the flame of the small burner 7. The user can rotate the control knob 14 to ignite, extinguish, and adjust the flame of the large burner 8.

[0028] The internal structure of the enclosure 2 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. As shown in Figure 4, the enclosure 2 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped with an open top. The enclosure 2 comprises a right wall 21, a left wall 22, a front wall 23, a back wall 24, and a bottom wall 25. As shown in Figure 5, a middle bottom plate 60 is provided roughly horizontally at approximately the middle position in the vertical direction within the enclosure 2. The middle bottom plate 60 divides the interior of the enclosure 2 into an upper space and a lower space. In the lower space, the controller 100 is mounted on the rear side of the right end of the upper surface of the bottom wall 25 (see Figure 10).

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, in the upper space, the upper surface of the middle bottom plate 60 is provided with a gas pipe connection section 16, a gas supply pipe 17, four heat output control devices 41-44, two solenoid valve units 47, 48, four infrared detection units U1-U4, etc.

[0030] The gas pipe connection section 16 is fixed to the left rear corner of the upper surface of the middle bottom plate 60. The downstream end of a gas inlet pipe (not shown) extending from the space below is connected to the inlet of the gas pipe connection section 16. The upstream end of the gas inlet pipe in the space below is connected to a gas inlet section (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the space below. A main gas solenoid valve 81 (see Figure 10) is provided in the gas inlet section. The main gas solenoid valve 81 is connected to the controller 100. Gas piping (not shown) extending from the outside is connected to the gas inlet section.

[0031] The gas supply pipe 17 is connected to the outlet of the gas pipe connection 16. The gas supply pipe 17 extends forward from the gas pipe connection 16 near the inner surface of the left wall 22, bends to the right just before the rear surface of the front wall 23, and extends to near the inner surface of the right wall 21. The gas supply pipe 17 is fixed to the upper surface of the middle bottom plate 60.

[0032] The flame control devices 41-44 will now be described. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the flame control devices 41-44 are fixed to the upper surface of the middle bottom plate 60 and close to the rear surface of the front wall 23, corresponding to the four operating knobs 11-14. The flame control devices 41-44 are connected to the gas supply pipe 17. The flame control devices 41-44 are equipped with a rotating shaft 40A that protrudes upward. The operating knobs 11-14 are connected to the corresponding rotating shaft 40A via round holes 35-38 provided on the front side of the top plate 3. The flame control device 41 adjusts the flame of the middle burner 5 by rotating the operating knob 11. The flame control device 43 adjusts the flame of the small burner 7 by rotating the operating knob 13. The flame control device 44 adjusts the flame of the large burner 8 by rotating the operating knob 14.

[0033] The flame control device 41 includes a safety valve 84 (see Figure 10), a rotating shaft 40A, a needle valve (not shown), a position detection unit 46, an igniter switch 66 (see Figure 10), and the like. The flame control device 41 has a gas flow path inside.

[0034] The safety valve 84 is installed in the gas flow path. The safety valve 84 is a magnetic safety valve and is elastically biased to a closed state that closes the gas flow path. When the safety valve 84 is opened by a slider that is linked to the pushing operation of the operating knob 11, it is maintained in the open state by the electromotive force of the thermocouple 502. The thermocouple 502 generates an electromotive force when heated by the flame of the central burner 5. When the central burner 5 is extinguished, the electromotive force of the thermocouple 502 disappears, so the safety valve 84 closes, and the gas flow path is closed.

[0035] The rotating shaft 40A protrudes upward from the front side of the heat control device 41. An operating knob 11 is fixed to the upper end of the rotating shaft 40A. The rotating shaft 40A rotates together with the operating knob 11.

[0036] The needle valve adjusts the flow area of ​​the gas passage as the rotating shaft 40A rotates.

[0037] The position detection unit 46 detects the rotational position of the operating knob 11 and transmits a detection signal to the controller 100. Based on the detection signal, the controller 100 determines the state of the middle burner 5. The state of the middle burner 5 consists of three states: extinguished, low heat output, and high heat output. The configuration of the position detection unit 46 will be described later.

[0038] The igniter switch 66 turns the igniter 65 (see Figure 10) on and off in response to the operation of pressing the control knob 11. The igniter electrode 501 is connected to the igniter 65.

[0039] Although not explained here, the other flame control devices 42 to 44 are equipped with a safety valve, a rotating shaft 40A, a needle valve, a position detection unit, an igniter switch, etc., similar to flame control device 41.

[0040] The solenoid valve units 47 and 48 will now be described. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the solenoid valve unit 47 is fixed to the right rear of the flame control device 41 on the upper surface of the middle bottom plate 60. A gas supply pipe 411 is connected between the flame control device 41 and the solenoid valve unit 47. A gas supply pipe 421 is connected between the flame control device 42 and the solenoid valve unit 47. A gas supply pipe 412 is connected between the solenoid valve unit 47 and the burner head 5B. A gas supply pipe 422 is connected between the solenoid valve unit 47 and the burner head 6B.

[0041] The solenoid valve unit 47 includes a first flow path and a second flow path (not shown). Gas flowing in from the gas supply pipe 411 flows through the first flow path. The first flow path is equipped with a gas shut-off valve 82 and a heat output switching valve 83 (see Figure 10). The gas shut-off valve 82 and the heat output switching valve 83 are connected to the controller 100. The gas that has flowed through the first flow path flows through the gas supply pipe 412 and flows into the burner head 5B. On the other hand, gas flowing in from the gas supply pipe 421 flows through the second flow path. The second flow path is equipped with a gas shut-off valve (not shown). The gas shut-off valve is connected to the controller 100. The gas that has flowed through the second flow path flows through the gas supply pipe 422 and flows into the burner head 6B.

[0042] The solenoid valve unit 48 is fixed to the right rear of the flame control device 43 on the upper surface of the middle bottom plate 60. A gas supply pipe 431 is connected between the flame control device 43 and the solenoid valve unit 48. A gas supply pipe 441 is connected between the flame control device 44 and the solenoid valve unit 48. A gas supply pipe 432 is connected between the solenoid valve unit 48 and the burner head 7B. A gas supply pipe 442 is connected between the solenoid valve unit 48 and the burner head 8B. Note that the internal structure of the solenoid valve unit 48 is the same as that of the solenoid valve unit 47, so a description is omitted.

[0043] The infrared detection units U1 to U4 are described below. The infrared detection units U1 to U4 are fixed to the upper surface of the middle base plate 60. The infrared detection units U1 to U4 detect the temperature of the object to be heated W based on the infrared intensity emitted from the object to be heated W.

[0044] The infrared detection unit U1 is fixed to the front right side of the upper surface of the middle base plate 60. The infrared detection unit U1 includes an infrared temperature sensor 51 and a bracket 61. The bracket 61 is roughly rectangular in shape. The infrared temperature sensor 51 is mounted inside the bracket 61. The infrared temperature sensor 51 is attached to the upper surface of the middle base plate 60 by screwing the bracket 61 to the upper surface of the middle base plate 60. The bracket 61 is provided with a columnar burner fixing part 611. The annular burner body 5A is fixed to the upper surface of the burner fixing part 611.

[0045] The infrared detection unit U2 is fixed to the rear right side of the upper surface of the inner base plate 60. Like the infrared detection unit U1, the infrared detection unit U2 includes an infrared temperature sensor 52 and a bracket 62. The infrared temperature sensor 52 is mounted inside the bracket 62. The infrared temperature sensor 52 is attached to the upper surface of the inner base plate 60 by screwing the bracket 62 to the upper surface of the inner base plate 60. A columnar burner fixing part 621 is provided on the bracket 62. An annular burner body 6A is fixed to the upper surface of the burner fixing part 621.

[0046] The infrared detection unit U3 is fixed to the front left portion of the upper surface of the middle base plate 60. Like the infrared detection unit U1, the infrared detection unit U3 also includes an infrared temperature sensor 53 and a bracket 63. The infrared temperature sensor 53 is mounted inside the bracket 63. The infrared temperature sensor 53 is attached to the upper surface of the middle base plate 60 by screwing the bracket 63 to the upper surface of the middle base plate 60. A columnar burner fixing portion 631 is provided on the bracket 63. The annular burner body 7A is fixed to the upper surface of the burner fixing portion 631.

[0047] The infrared detection unit U4 is fixed to the rear left side of the upper surface of the middle base plate 60. Like the infrared detection unit U1, the infrared detection unit U4 also includes an infrared temperature sensor 54 and a bracket 64. The infrared temperature sensor 54 is mounted inside the bracket 64. The infrared temperature sensor 54 is attached to the upper surface of the middle base plate 60 by screwing the bracket 64 to it. The bracket 64 is provided with a columnar burner fixing part 641. The annular burner body 8A is screwed to the upper surface of the burner fixing part 641.

[0048] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the structure of the infrared temperature sensor 51 will be described. Since infrared temperature sensors 51 to 54 all have the same structure, in this embodiment only the structure of infrared temperature sensor 51 will be described.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, the infrared temperature sensor 51 comprises a body 55, a cover 56, a light-transmitting window 57, a first light-receiving element 58, a second light-receiving element 59, a circuit board 120, etc. The body 55 is formed in a box shape with an open top. A support portion 550 is provided at the bottom of the body 55. The support portion 550 supports the body 55 at an inclination such that the front end of the body 55 is lower than the rear end. A rectangular opening 551 is provided on the front of the body 55. A lid portion 552 is inserted and fixed into the opening 551 from the front.

[0050] The cover 56 is fixed to the opening upper surface of the body 55. The light-transmitting window 57 is provided in the center of the cover 56. The light-transmitting window 57 is formed in a roughly rectangular flat shape and transmits infrared rays.

[0051] The first light-receiving element 58 and the second light-receiving element 59 are housed in the front end of the body 55. The first light-receiving element 58 and the second light-receiving element 59 are, for example, photodiodes or thermopiles, and output an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the infrared light they receive. The electrical signal is a voltage. The first light-receiving element 58 and the second light-receiving element 59 receive infrared light that is emitted from the bottom region of the object to be heated W placed on the trivet 4 and passes through the opening 312 and the light-transmitting window 57.

[0052] The circuit board 120 is housed inside the lid 552. The circuit board 120 performs drive control of the first photodetector 58 and the second photodetector 59, electrical signal processing, calculation processing, judgment processing, etc. The circuit board 120 is electrically connected to the controller 100 (see Figure 6).

[0053] As described above, the infrared temperature sensor 51 is fixed to the upper surface of the middle bottom plate 60 inside the housing 2 via a bracket 61. As shown in Figure 7, the light-transmitting window 57 is positioned in an area away from the vertically downward area of ​​the opening 312 of the top plate 3. Furthermore, the light-transmitting window 57 is positioned at an angle such that the normal N passing through the center of the light-transmitting window 57 is directed toward the opening 312. This prevents foreign matter such as spilled broth or solids from falling directly onto the light-transmitting window 57 even if it enters the housing 2 through the opening 312. Even if broth or the like splashes and adheres to the light-transmitting window 57, it will naturally drip down along its inclined surface, preventing it from solidifying and remaining on the surface of the light-transmitting window 57.

[0054] Referring to Figure 10, the electrical configuration of the gas stove 1 will be described. In this embodiment, only the configuration related to the middle burner 5 will be illustrated and described. The controller 100 of the gas stove 1 includes, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory (not shown), etc., and controls the operation of the gas stove 1. The controller 100 is connected to an external power supply 101. The igniter 85 is connected to the external power supply 101.

[0055] The controller 100 is connected to the main gas solenoid valve 81, the gas on / off valve 82, the flame control valve 83, the flame detection switch 91, the circuit board switch 92, and the infrared temperature sensor 51, among other components on the circuit board 120. The safety valve 84 is connected to the thermocouple 502. The flame detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 will be described later.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3, the method for igniting the middle burner 5 using the operating knob 11 will be explained. A projection 11A is provided on the outer circumference of the operating knob 11. The rotation angle of the operating knob 11 with the projection 11A facing backward is 0°. At this time, the rotation position of the operating knob 11 is the initial position. When the operating knob 11 is in the initial position, the middle burner 5 is extinguished.

[0057] To ignite the middle burner 5, the user rotates the operating knob 11 more than 20° counterclockwise from its initial position and then pushes the operating knob 11 downwards. By rotating it more than 20° from its initial position, the circuit board switch 92, described later, located near the operating knob 11, is turned on. When the circuit board switch 92 is turned on, the controller 100 opens the main gas solenoid valve 81 and the gas on / off valve 82. The flame output switching valve 83 is designed to open when the power is turned on. As a result, gas flows along the gas supply pipe 17 and into the gas flow path in the flame output control device 41.

[0058] The safety valve 84 is then opened by a slider that is linked to the push operation of the operating knob 11. As a result, gas flows along the gas flow path and enters the burner head 5B via the gas supply pipe 411, the first flow path of the solenoid valve unit 47, and the gas supply pipe 412. At the same time, the igniter switch 66 is turned on by the push operation of the operating knob 11, so the igniter 65 is activated and a spark discharge occurs at the igniter electrode 501. This ignites the gas ejected from the flame port of the burner head 5B, and the middle burner 5 enters a combustion state.

[0059] When the middle burner 5 enters a combustion state, the thermocouple 502 is heated by the flame, generating an electromotive force. This electromotive force keeps the safety valve 84 open. When the user releases the operating knob 11, the operating knob 11 is pushed up by the spring force of the movable piece (not shown) of the igniter switch 66 and returns to its original position. In this way, the combustion state of the middle burner 5 is maintained.

[0060] Referring to Figure 11, the method for adjusting the flame of the middle burner 5 using the control knob 11 will be explained. When the middle burner 5 is in combustion, the needle valve moves when the user rotates the control knob 11 in the forward or reverse direction. The forward direction is counterclockwise, and the reverse direction is clockwise. When the needle valve moves, the amount of gas flowing through the gas passage increases or decreases. This increases or decreases the amount of gas supplied to the burner head 5B, and thus changes the flame of the middle burner 5.

[0061] Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the control knob 11 and the flame output of the middle burner 5. The solid line and black circle symbols show the change in flame output when the control knob 11 is turned from fully closed to fully open, while the dotted line and black triangle symbols show the change in flame output when the control knob 11 is turned from fully open to fully closed. The difference between these two changes in flame output is due to a slight amount of play between the parts in the mechanical configuration for changing the flame output.

[0062] Gas does not flow when the rotation angle of the control knob 11 is between 0 and 20°. Therefore, during this time, the middle burner 5 is extinguished. When the rotation angle exceeds 20°, gas flows to the middle burner 5, and the amount of gas increases with increasing rotation angle up to 60°. The amount of gas is maximum when the rotation angle is between 60° and 120°, so the flame of the middle burner 5 is at its maximum within this range.

[0063] Furthermore, if the control knob 11 is rotated further in the forward direction from the 120° rotation angle position, the gas flow rate begins to decrease. As the rotation angle increases, the flame of the middle burner 5 decreases, reaching its maximum position at the 160° rotation angle position. The maximum position is the limit position when the control knob 11 is rotated in the forward direction. At this point, the flame of the middle burner 5 is at its minimum between 120° and 160° rotation angles.

[0064] In this relationship between rotation angle and flame output, it is best for the user to rotate the control knob 11 in both forward and reverse directions within a range of, for example, 90° to 160°. Within this range, rotating the control knob 11 in the forward direction increases the flame output, and rotating it in the reverse direction decreases the flame output. This allows the user to easily adjust the flame output of the middle burner 5.

[0065] Next, the method for extinguishing the middle burner 5 using the control knob 11 will be explained. To extinguish the burning middle burner 5, the user rotates the control knob 11 in the reverse direction from its initial position. When the rotation angle becomes 20° or less, the circuit board switch 92 turns off. As a result, the controller 100 closes the main gas solenoid valve 81, blocking the gas flow path and extinguishing the middle burner 5. Then, as the electromotive force generated in the thermocouple 601 disappears due to the extinguishing of the middle burner 5, the safety valve 84 closes. In this way, the middle burner 5 is safely extinguished.

[0066] In this embodiment, the method for igniting, adjusting the flame intensity, and extinguishing the medium burner 5 using the control knob 11 has been described, but the methods for igniting, adjusting the flame intensity, and extinguishing the medium burner 6, small burner 7, and large burner 8 using the other control knobs 12 to 14 are the same as described above.

[0067] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the temperature measurement process using the infrared temperature sensor 51 in the gas stove 1 will be explained. For example, when the middle burner 5 is ignited using the operation knob 11 in the gas stove 1, the first light-receiving element 58, the second light-receiving element 59, and the circuit board 120 of the infrared temperature sensor 51 are driven in conjunction with or at an appropriate time thereafter.

[0068] The object to be heated W is placed on the trivet 4, directly above the central burner 5. Infrared radiation R1 is emitted from the bottom region W1 (see Figure 9) of the object to be heated W. The infrared radiation R1 passes through the opening 312 and the light-transmitting window 57 and is incident on the first light-receiving element 58. On the other hand, infrared radiation R2 is emitted from the bottom region W2 of the object to be heated W. The infrared radiation R2 also passes through the opening 312 and the light-transmitting window 57 and is incident on the second light-receiving element 59.

[0069] The first light-receiving element 58 and the second light-receiving element 59 output detection signals according to the intensity of infrared rays R1 and R2 emitted from the object W to be heated. The circuit board 120 receives the detection signals from the first light-receiving element 58 and the second light-receiving element 59, respectively. The circuit board 120 calculates the temperature of the object W to be heated based on the two detection signals from the first light-receiving element 58 and the second light-receiving element 59. The circuit board 120 transmits the calculated temperature information of the object W to the controller 100.

[0070] Here, we will explain the correction of temperature information. As described above, the light-transmitting window 57 of the infrared temperature sensor 51 is positioned in an area outside the vertically downward region of the opening 312 of the top plate 3. In this positional relationship, infrared rays R1 and R2 emitted from the bottom regions W1 and W2 of the object to be heated W pass through the flame of the middle burner 5, through the opening 312 and the light-transmitting window 57, and are received by the first light-receiving element 58 and the second light-receiving element 59. Therefore, infrared rays R1 and R2 are strongly influenced by infrared rays from the flame. The influence of infrared rays from the flame becomes stronger as the heat output of the middle burner 5 increases.

[0071] To reduce the effects of infrared radiation, the controller 100 transmits the heat output information of the middle burner 5 to the infrared temperature sensor 51. The heat output information is the heat output information detected by the position detection unit 46, which will be described later. The infrared temperature sensor 51 corrects the detected infrared radiation based on the heat output information received from the controller 100 to calculate the temperature and transmits the temperature information to the controller 100. The temperature information is the temperature of the object W being heated by the middle burner 5. This allows the controller 100 to accurately detect the temperature of the object W. The controller 100 continues this temperature measurement process while the gas stove 1 is in operation to monitor the heating state of the object W.

[0072] Next, the method for detecting the flame intensity of the middle burner 5 will be described. In this embodiment, the position detection unit 46 of the flame intensity control device 41 detects the rotation angle of the operating knob 11. The position detection unit 46 transmits a detection signal to the controller 100 (see Figure 10). Based on the received detection signal, the controller 100 determines whether the current flame intensity of the middle burner 5 is extinguished, low flame intensity, or high flame intensity.

[0073] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the configuration of the position detection unit 46 will be described. The position detection unit 46 includes a heat power detection cam 70, a heat power detection switch 91, and a circuit board switch 92.

[0074] The shape of the fire intensity detection cam 70 will now be described. The fire intensity detection cam 70 is a plate cam that is approximately circular in plan view and has a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction. An axle hole 701 is provided in the center of the fire intensity detection cam 70. The rotating shaft 40A is inserted into the axle hole 701 from below. The fire intensity detection cam 70 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions together with the rotating shaft 40A. The forward direction is counterclockwise in plan view, and the reverse direction is clockwise in plan view, but the opposite may also be true.

[0075] A cam surface 700 is provided on the outer circumference of the fire power detection cam 70. The cam surface 700 comprises a first cam surface 71, a second cam surface 72, a third cam surface 73, and a fourth cam surface 74. The first cam surface 71 and the second cam surface 72 are positioned opposite each other, with the rotation axis 40A in the center. The first cam surface 71 and the second cam surface 72 protrude radially outward in a substantially arc shape. The arc length of the first cam surface 71 is longer than the arc length of the second cam surface 72.

[0076] The third cam surface 73 and the fourth cam surface 74 are located in the portions other than the first cam surface 71 and the second cam surface 72, and are positioned opposite each other with the rotation axis 40A in the center. The third cam surface 73 and the fourth cam surface 74 are recessed radially inward from the first cam surface 71 and the second cam surface 72, and are formed in the shape of a roughly circular arc notch in plan view. The arc length of the third cam surface 73 is slightly longer than the arc length of the fourth cam surface 74.

[0077] As shown in Figure 13, when the fire power detection cam 70 is viewed from above, the cam surface 700 has the first cam surface 71, the third cam surface 73, the second cam surface 72, and the fourth cam surface 74 arranged in order from the upstream side in the positive rotation direction.

[0078] The flame detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 will now be described. The flame detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 are microswitches. A microswitch is a switch that has a minute contact gap and a snap action mechanism, and opens and closes with a specified movement and specified force. The flame detection switch 91 is located to the left front of the flame detection cam 70. The circuit board switch 92 is located to the right rear of the flame detection cam 70. In other words, the flame detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 are located diagonally opposite each other, with the flame detection cam 70 in the center.

[0079] The flame detection switch 91 is equipped with a lever 91A. The tip of the lever 91A is positioned to slide against the cam surface 700. As the flame detection cam 70 rotates, the tip of the lever 91A slides against the cam surface 700, causing the flame detection switch 91 to turn on and off.

[0080] The circuit board switch 92 is equipped with a lever 92A. The tip of the lever 92A is also positioned to slide against the cam surface 700. As the fire power detection cam 70 rotates, the tip of the lever 92A slides against the cam surface 700, causing the circuit board switch 92 to turn on and off.

[0081] The fire intensity detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 transmit detection signals to the controller 100. The detection signals are the ON or OFF signals of the fire intensity detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92. Based on the ON / OFF combination of each switch, the controller 100 determines whether the current state of the middle burner 5 is extinguished, low heat, or high heat.

[0082] Referring to Figures 13 to 17, the relationship between the rotational position of the heat detection cam 70 and the on / off states of the heat detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 will be explained. The heat detection cam 70 has five rotational positions. The rotational position is the angular position when the heat detection cam 70 is rotated in the positive direction from its initial position. The rotational positions of the heat detection cam 70 are the same as the rotational positions of the operation knob 11. The rotational positions of the heat detection cam 70 include the initial position, the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position.

[0083] <Initial position> As shown in Figure 13, the rotation angle in the initial position is 0°. When the flame detection cam 70 is in the initial position, the tip of the lever 91A of the flame detection switch 91 slides against the fourth cam surface 74. Therefore, the flame detection switch 91 is turned off. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the circuit board switch 92 slides against the third cam surface 73. Therefore, the circuit board switch 92 is also turned off.

[0084] <1st position> As shown in Figure 14, the rotation angle at the first position is 5°. When the flame detection cam 70 is rotated from the initial position to the first position, the tip of the lever 91A of the flame detection switch 91 continues to slide against the fourth cam surface 74. Therefore, the flame detection switch 91 remains off. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the circuit board switch 92 slides against the first cam surface 71. Therefore, the circuit board switch 92 turns on.

[0085] <2nd position> As shown in Figure 15, the rotation angle at the second position is 30°. When the heat detection cam 70 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the tip of the lever 91A of the heat detection switch 91 slides against the second cam surface 72. Therefore, the heat detection switch 91 is turned on. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the circuit board switch 92 continues to slide against the first cam surface 71. Therefore, the circuit board switch 92 remains on.

[0086] <3rd position> As shown in Figure 16, the rotation angle at the third position is 140°. When the flame detection cam 70 is rotated from the second position to the third position, the tip of the lever 91A of the flame detection switch 91 slides against the third cam surface 73. Therefore, the flame detection switch 91 is turned off. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the circuit board switch 92 continues to slide against the first cam surface 71. Therefore, the circuit board switch 92 remains on.

[0087] <4th position> As shown in Figure 17, the rotation angle at the fourth position is 160°, which is the fully rotated position. When the flame detection cam 70 is rotated from the third position to the fourth position, the tip of the lever 91A of the flame detection switch 91 continues to slide against the third cam surface 73. Therefore, the flame detection switch 91 remains off. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the circuit board switch 92 continues to slide against the first cam surface 71. Therefore, the circuit board switch 92 remains on.

[0088] The heat output determination process will be explained with reference to Figures 18 and 19. When the controller 100 measures the temperature of the object to be heated W in the middle burner 5, it reads the heat output determination program from ROM and executes this process. The process is best executed when measuring the temperature of the object to be heated W, for example, during temperature control to control the temperature of the object to be heated W to a predetermined temperature.

[0089] The controller 100 determines whether the circuit board switch 92 is on or off (S11). If the circuit board switch 92 is off (S11: NO), the middle burner 5 is not ignited and is likely to be extinguished. If it is extinguished, the flame intensity detection switch 91 should also be off. To confirm that the flame intensity detection switch 91 is off, the controller 100 determines whether the flame intensity detection switch 91 is off or off (S13).

[0090] If the flame detection switch 91 is off (S13: YES), the controller 100 determines that the fire is extinguished (S16). At this time, the rotation angle of the operation knob 11 is 0° (see Figure 19). In this way, the accuracy of flame determination can be improved by confirming that both switches are off before determining the fire extinguished state. The controller 100 transmits flame information indicating that the middle burner 5 is extinguished to the infrared temperature sensor 51 (S18), and terminates this process.

[0091] If the flame detection switch 91 is ON (S13: NO), there is a possibility that the flame detection switch 91 or the circuit board switch 92 is malfunctioning. Therefore, the controller 100 performs an error check (S17) and terminates this process. If an error is detected, the controller 100 should, for example, issue an error notification and restrict the operation of the gas stove 1.

[0092] If the circuit board switch 92 is ON (S11: YES), the controller 100 determines whether the heat level detection switch 91 is ON or OFF (S12). If the heat level detection switch 91 is ON (S12: NO), the controller 100 determines that the heat level is low (S15). At this time, the rotation angle θ of the operation knob 11 is within the range of greater than 0° and less than 30°, or within the range of 140° or more and 160° or less (see Figure 19).

[0093] The rotation angle at the first position is 5°, which is within the range greater than 0° and less than 30°. The rotation angle at the third position is 140°, which is within the range of 140° to 160°. The rotation angle at the fourth position is 160°, which is within the range of 140° to 160°. In all three of these cases, the middle burner 5 has a low flame. The controller 100 transmits flame information indicating that the middle burner 5 has a low flame to the infrared temperature sensor 51 (S18), and terminates this process.

[0094] When the heat detection switch 91 is ON (S12: YES), both the heat detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 are ON, so the controller 100 determines that the heat level is high (S14). At this time, the rotation angle θ of the operation knob 11 is within the range of 30° or more and less than 140° (see Figure 19).

[0095] The rotation angle of the second position described above is 30°, which is within the range of 30° to less than 140°, and in this case the middle burner 5 has high heat output. The controller 100 transmits heat output information indicating that the middle burner 5 has high heat output to the infrared temperature sensor 51 (S18), and terminates this process.

[0096] The controller 100 determines the flame strength of the middle burner 5 using the method described above and transmits the determined flame strength information of the middle burner 5 to the infrared temperature sensor 51. The infrared temperature sensor 51 corrects the detected infrared radiation based on the flame strength information received from the controller 100 to calculate the temperature and transmits the temperature information to the controller 100.

[0097] In the above description, gas stove 1 is an example of the "heating cooker" of the present invention. Medium burners 5 and 6, small burner 7, and large burner 8 are examples of the "heat source" of the present invention. Flame intensity detection switch 91 is an example of the "first switch" of the present invention. Circuit board switch 92 is an example of the "second switch" of the present invention. Low flame is an example of the "first flame" of the present invention. High flame is an example of the "second flame" of the present invention. The first, third, and fourth positions of the operation knob 11 are examples of the "first flame position" of the present invention. The second position is an example of the "second flame position" of the present invention.

[0098] As described above, the gas stove 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a flame control device 41 and a controller 100. The flame control device 41 adjusts the flame of the middle burner 5. The controller 100 controls the operation of the gas stove 1. The flame control device 41 is equipped with an operating knob 11, a flame detection cam 70, a flame detection switch 91, and a circuit board switch 92. The operating knob 11 rotates around a rotation axis 40A. The flame detection cam 70 has a cam surface 700 on its outer circumference. The flame detection cam 70 rotates around the rotation axis 40A in conjunction with the rotation of the operating knob 11. The flame detection switch 91 is a microswitch that is positioned to contact the cam surface 700 of the flame detection cam 70 and is turned on and off by sliding against the cam surface 700.

[0099] The cam surface 700 comprises a first cam surface 71, a second cam surface 72, a third cam surface 73, and a fourth cam surface 74. The first cam surface 71 and the second cam surface 72 protrude radially outward from the flame detection cam 70 and contact the flame detection switch 91 to turn it on. The third cam surface 73 and the fourth cam surface 74 are recessed radially inward from the first cam surface 71 and the second cam surface 72, and turn off the flame detection switch 91.

[0100] When the operating knob 11 is in the first position, which is set to low heat, the fourth cam surface 74 is positioned at the location where it slides with the heat level detection switch 91. When the operating knob 11 is in the third position, which is set to low heat, the third cam surface is positioned at the location where it slides with the heat level detection switch 91. When the operating knob 11 is in the second position, which is set to high heat, the first cam surface 71 is positioned at the location where it slides with the heat level detection switch 91.

[0101] In the gas stove 1 having the above configuration, the controller 100 determines that the middle burner 5 is at low heat when the heat level detection switch 91 is off, and determines that the middle burner 5 is at high heat when the heat level detection switch 91 is on.

[0102] As a result, the gas stove 1 can detect the flame of the middle burner 5 by switching the flame detection cam 970 and the flame detection switch 91 on and off. Therefore, the gas stove 1 can have a simple configuration without requiring complex control.

[0103] Furthermore, the gas stove 1 of the above embodiment is further equipped with a circuit board switch 92. The circuit board switch 92 is located on the opposite side from the flame detection switch 91, with the flame detection cam 70 in between. The circuit board switch 92 is also a microswitch that is turned on and off by sliding the cam surface 700.

[0104] If both the fire intensity detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 are off, the controller 100 determines that the fire is extinguished. If the fire intensity detection switch 91 is off and the circuit board switch 92 is on, the controller 100 determines that the fire intensity is low. If both the fire intensity detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 are on, the controller determines that the fire intensity is high.

[0105] Thus, the flame detection cam 70 has the function of turning the flame detection switch 91 on and off, as well as the function of turning the circuit board switch 92 on and off. Therefore, the gas stove 1 can miniaturize the flame control device 41 compared to a flame control device that has separate cams for turning the flame detection switch 91 on and off and for turning the circuit board switch 92 on and off. In addition, by determining the flame level of the middle burner 5 with two switches, it is expected that the accuracy of flame level determination will be improved. The flame level of the middle burner 5 has three patterns: extinguished, low flame, and high flame. Furthermore, depending on the combination of on and off states of the two switches, it is also possible to detect errors.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operating knob 11 is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around the rotation axis 40A. The cam surface 700 is provided with a first cam surface 71, a third cam surface 73, a second cam surface 72, and a fourth cam surface 74, in that order from the upstream side in the forward rotation direction of the operating knob 11. When the operating knob 11 is rotated in the forward direction from its initial position, it has three rotation positions: a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first position is the position where the operating knob 11 has rotated in the forward direction from its initial position and passed through a first angle (5°). The second position is the position where the operating knob 11 has rotated further in the forward direction and passed through a second angle (30°). The third position is the position where the operating knob 11 has rotated further in the forward direction than the second angle and passed through a third angle (140°).

[0107] The flame of the medium burner 5 is low when the control knob 11 is rotated from the initial position to the second position. The flame is high when the control knob 11 is rotated from the second position to the third position. The flame is low when the control knob 11 is rotated from the third position to the fully rotated position. The first and third positions correspond to the low flame position, and the second position corresponds to the high flame position.

[0108] When the operating knob 11 is in its initial position, the fourth cam surface 74 is positioned to slide against the flame detection switch 91, and the third cam surface 73 is positioned to slide against the circuit board switch 92. When the operating knob 11 is in the first position, the fourth cam surface 74 is positioned to slide against the flame detection switch 91, and the first cam surface 71 is positioned to slide against the circuit board switch 92. When the operating knob 11 is in the second position, the second cam surface 72 is positioned to slide against the flame detection switch 91, and the first cam surface 71 is positioned to slide against the circuit board switch 92. When the operating knob 11 is in the third position, the third cam surface 73 is positioned to slide against the flame detection switch 91, and the first cam surface 71 is positioned to slide against the circuit board switch 92.

[0109] This allows the gas stove 1 to appropriately turn on and off the flame detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 according to the rotation angle of the flame detection cam 70. As a result, the gas stove 1 can reliably detect the extinguished state, low flame setting, and high flame setting of the middle burner 5.

[0110] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. The gas stove 1 in the above embodiments is a built-in stove, but it may also be a tabletop stove.

[0111] The operating knob 11 can rotate from 0° to 160°, but it may be able to rotate more than 160°. For example, it may be able to rotate up to 360°. In this case, the flame detection cam 70 can also rotate from 0° to 360°. In the above embodiment, as the flame detection cam 70 rotates, one of the fourth cam surface 74, the second cam surface 72, and the third cam surface 73 is positioned relative to the flame detection switch 91, and one of the third cam surface 73 and the first cam surface 71 is positioned relative to the circuit board switch 92. When the rotation range of the flame detection cam 70 is 0° to 360°, in addition to the above arrangement, the first cam surface 71 may be positioned relative to the flame detection switch 91. Also, the fourth cam surface 74 or the second cam surface 72 may be positioned relative to the circuit board switch 92.

[0112] In the above embodiment, rotating the control knob 11 clockwise changes the flame from low to high and then back to low. For example, the rotation angle of the control knob 11 may be limited to 0° to 120°, which is the range from low to high flame.

[0113] In the above embodiment, when both the fire detection switch 91 and the circuit board switch 92 are off, the middle burner 5 is in an extinguished state. At this time, power consumption may be reduced by, for example, turning off the power to the controller 100.

[0114] The respective rotation shafts 40A of the control knobs 11 to 14 protrude upward, but the direction of protrusion is not limited to this; for example, they may protrude approximately horizontally towards the user.

[0115] The gas stove 1 detects the temperature of the object to be heated W placed on the trivet 4 using infrared temperature sensors 51-54. However, the method for detecting the temperature of the object to be heated W is not limited to infrared; for example, a method in which a temperature sensor is in contact with the bottom of the pot may also be used. Furthermore, the infrared temperature sensors 51-54 may be omitted.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the heat output information transmitted by the controller 100 is used for calculating infrared temperature. For example, it may be used to adjust the heat output temperature using the heat output switching valve 83, or it may be used to control cooking functions (such as boiling water or frying).

[0117] In the above embodiment, a middle bottom plate 60 is provided inside the housing 2, and the heat control devices 41-44, solenoid valve units 47, 48, etc. are fixed to its upper surface. However, the middle bottom plate 60 may be omitted, and the devices may be fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall 25 of the housing 2.

[0118] Four cooktop burners are provided on the countertop 3, but the number of cooktop burners can be freely changed. The size and arrangement of the cooktop burners can also be freely changed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Gas stove 5 medium burner 40A Rotating shaft 41 Firepower adjustment device 51 Infrared temperature sensor 70. Firepower detection cam 71 First cam surface 72 Second cam surface 73 Third cam surface 74. Fourth cam surface 91. Fire Power Detection Switch 92 Circuit board switches 100 controllers

Claims

1. A cooking appliance equipped with a heat control device that adjusts the heat output of the heat source, The device includes a controller that controls the operation of the aforementioned heating appliance, The aforementioned heat control device is A control knob that rotates around a pivot axis, A firepower detection cam having a cam surface on its outer circumference and rotating around the rotation axis in conjunction with the rotation of the operating knob, A first switch, which is a microswitch, is provided at a position that contacts the cam surface of the fire power detection cam and is turned on and off by sliding on the cam surface. Equipped with, The aforementioned cam surface is The first cam surface and the second cam surface protrude radially outward from the aforementioned fire power detection cam and contact the first switch to turn it on, The third and fourth cam surfaces are recessed radially inward of the fire power detection cam compared to the first and second cam surfaces, and they turn off the first switch. Equipped with, When the operating knob is in the first heat setting position, the third cam surface or the fourth cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch. When the operating knob is in the second heat setting position, the first cam surface or the second cam surface is positioned at the position where it slides with the first switch. The aforementioned controller, When the first switch is off, the heating element is determined to be the first heating element. When the first switch is on, the heat source is determined to be the second heat source. A cooking appliance characterized by the following features.

2. The system includes a second switch, which is a microswitch, located on the opposite side of the first switch with the aforementioned fire power detection cam in between, and which is turned on and off by sliding the cam surface. The aforementioned controller, If both the first switch and the second switch are off, the heating source is determined to be in an extinguished state. When the first switch is off and the second switch is on, the heating element is determined to be the first heating element. When both the first switch and the second switch are on, the heat source is determined to be the second heat source. A heating appliance according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. When the operating knob is in the initial position that puts the heating source into the extinguished state, the third cam surface and the fourth cam surface are positioned at the positions where they slide relative to the first switch and the second switch, respectively. When the operating knob is in the first flame position, either the third cam surface or the fourth cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and either the first cam surface or the second cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. When the operating knob is in the second heat position, the first cam surface and the second cam surface are positioned at the positions where they slide relative to the first switch and the second switch, respectively. A heating appliance according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The aforementioned operating knob is rotatable in forward and reverse directions around the rotation axis, The cam surface is provided with the first cam surface, the third cam surface, the second cam surface, and the fourth cam surface in the order of upstream side in the positive rotation direction of the operating knob. When the operating knob is rotated in the positive direction from its initial position, the rotational position is: The operating knob is rotated from the initial position in the positive direction to a first position where it passes through the first angle, The operating knob rotates further in the positive direction than the first angle to a second position where it passes through the second angle, The operating knob rotates further in the positive direction than the second angle to a third position where it passes through the third angle. Equipped with, The heat output of the heating source is the first heat output while the operating knob is rotated from the initial position to the second position, the second heat output while the operating knob is rotated from the second position to the third position, and the first heat output while the operating knob is rotated from the third position to the fully rotated position. The first position and the third position correspond to the first fire position, The second position corresponds to the second heating position, and when the operating knob is in the initial position, the fourth cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the third cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch, and when the operating knob is in the first position, the fourth cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the first cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch, When the operating knob is in the second position, the second cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the first cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. When the operating knob is in the third position, the third cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the first cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. A heating appliance according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The second firepower is stronger than the first firepower. A heating appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the following:

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