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 first cam surface 71, second cam surface 72, and third cam surface 73 of the flame intensity detection cam 70 protrude outward, while the fourth cam surface 74, fifth cam surface 75, and sixth cam surface 76 are recessed inward. Depending on the rotation position of the operating knob, the first flame intensity detection switch 91 or the second flame intensity detection switch 92 are turned on or off by the cam surfaces 71 to 76. When the first flame intensity detection switch 91 and the second flame intensity detection switch 92 are off, the controller determines that the middle burner is extinguished. When the first flame intensity detection switch 91 and the second flame intensity detection switch 92 are on, the controller determines that the middle burner is operating at a medium flame. When the first flame intensity detection switch 91 is on and the second flame intensity detection switch 92 is off, the controller determines that the middle burner is operating at a high flame. When the first flame intensity detection switch 91 is off and the second flame intensity detection switch 92 is on, the controller determines that the middle burner is operating at a low flame.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a gas stove provided with an operation knob for adjusting the heating power, 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 heating power of the heating source from the input amount of rotation and determines the opening degree of the flow control valve according to the heating power. 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 complex, 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 appliance capable of detecting the heating power 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, wherein the heat adjustment device comprises 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, a first switch which is a microswitch provided at a position in contact with the cam surface of the heat detection cam and is turned on and off by sliding the cam surface, and a second switch which is a microswitch provided at a position opposite to the heat detection switch with the heat detection cam in between, and is turned on and off by sliding the cam surface, wherein the cam surface is provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and protrudes radially outward from the heat detection cam and turns on the first switch or the second switch The device comprises a surface and three concave cam surfaces provided between the three convex cam surfaces, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, recessed radially inward from the three convex cam surfaces, and for turning off the first switch or the second switch. Depending on the rotational position of the operating knob, the three convex cam surfaces and the three concave cam surfaces turn the first switch and the second switch on and off, respectively. The controller determines that the heating source is extinguished when both the first switch and the second switch are off, determines that the heating power of the heating source is at the first heating power when both the first switch and the second switch are on, determines that the heating power of the heating source is at the second heating power when the first switch is on and the second switch is off, and determines that the heating power of the heating source is at the third heating power when the first switch is off and the second switch is on.

[0007] The three convex cam surfaces of the heating cooker according to claim 2 are a first cam surface, a second cam surface, and a third cam surface provided on the cam surface at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the three concave cam surfaces are a fourth cam surface, a fifth cam surface, and a sixth cam surface provided on the cam surface between the first cam surface, the second cam surface, and the third cam surface at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and any two of the fourth cam surface, the fifth cam surface, and the sixth cam surface are positioned at each position where the operating knob slides with the first switch and the second switch when the operating knob is in the initial position where the heating source is in the extinguished state, and when the operating knob is in the first heat position where the heat is set to the first heat, the first cam surface is positioned at each position where it slides with the first switch and the second switch, Any two of the first cam surface, the second cam surface, and the third cam surface may be arranged, and when the operating knob is in the second heat setting position with the heat setting set to the second heat setting, any of the first cam surface, the second cam surface, and the third cam surface may be positioned to slide with the first switch, and any of the fourth cam surface, the fifth cam surface, and the sixth cam surface may be positioned to slide with the second switch, and when the operating knob is in the third heat setting position with the heat setting set to the third heat setting, any of the fourth cam surface, the fifth cam surface, and the sixth cam surface may be positioned to slide with the first switch, and any of the first cam surface, the second cam surface, and the third cam surface may be positioned to slide with the second switch.

[0008] The operating knob of the heating cooker according to claim 3 is rotatable in forward and reverse directions about the rotation axis, and the cam surface is provided with the first cam surface, the fourth cam surface, the second cam surface, the fifth cam surface, the third cam surface, and the sixth cam surface in order from the upstream side in the forward rotation direction of the operating knob, and the rotational position of the operating knob includes a first position which is a first angle position in the forward direction from the initial position, a second position which is a second angle position which is greater than the first angle in the forward direction from the initial position, and a third position which is a third angle position which is greater than the second angle in the forward direction from the initial position, and the heat output of the heating source is the third heat output between the first and second positions, and the first heat output between the second and third positions when the operating knob is rotated in the forward direction, and the first position is the The three heating positions correspond to the first heating position, the third heating 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 sixth 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 third cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. When the operating knob is in the second position, the first 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 third position, the first cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the fifth cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch.

[0009] The rotational position of the operating knob of the heating cooker according to claim 4 further comprises a fourth position which is a fourth angle greater than the third angle in the positive direction from the initial position, and a fifth position which is a fifth angle greater than the fourth angle in the positive direction from the initial position, wherein the second heat setting is between the third and fourth positions, the first heat setting is between the fourth and fifth positions, and the third heat setting is between the fifth position and the fully rotated position, the fourth position corresponds to the first heat setting position, the fifth position corresponds to the third heat setting position, and when the operating knob is in the fourth position, the first cam surface is positioned to slide with the first switch and the second cam surface is positioned to slide with the second switch, respectively, and when the operating knob is in the fifth position, the sixth cam surface is positioned to slide with the first switch and the second cam surface is positioned to slide with the second switch, respectively.

[0010] In the heating appliance of claim 5, the second heat source may be stronger than the first heat source, and the third heat source may be weaker than the first heat source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the heating appliance of claim 1, the first switch and the second switch can be turned on and off by the three convex cam surfaces and three concave cam surfaces of the heat level detection cam, depending on the rotation position of the operating knob. The controller can detect the extinguishing state of the heating source and the three heat levels based on the on / off status of the first switch and the second switch, 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 comprises first to third cam surfaces which are convex cam surfaces and fourth to sixth cam surfaces which are concave cam surfaces. The first switch is turned on when any of the first to third cam surfaces are positioned relative to the first switch. The first switch is turned off when any of the fourth to sixth cam surfaces are positioned relative to the first switch. Similarly, the second switch is turned on when any of the first to third cam surfaces are positioned relative to the second switch. The second switch is turned off when any of the fourth to sixth cam surfaces are positioned relative to the second switch. As a result, the heating appliance can appropriately turn the first and second switches on and off according to the rotation position of the operating knob.

[0013] According to the heating appliance of claim 3, the first switch and the second switch can be appropriately turned on and off depending on the initial position, first position, second position, and third position of the operating knob. Therefore, the controller of the heating appliance can appropriately detect the extinguishing state of the heating source and the three heat levels based on the on / off status of the first switch and the second switch, respectively.

[0014] According to the heating appliance of claim 4, the operating knob further includes a fourth position, a fifth position, and a fully rotated position. The fully rotated position is a position where the user's rotation of the operating knob is restricted even when the user rotates it in the forward direction. When the user rotates the operating knob further in the forward direction from the third position, the heat level becomes second between the third and fourth positions, first between the fourth and fifth positions, and third between the fifth position and the fully rotated position. The heating appliance allows the heating source to be adjusted to any of the first, second, or third heat levels by rotating the operating knob in forward and reverse directions within the range from the initial position to the third position. According to this embodiment, the heating source can also be adjusted to any of the first, second, or third heat levels by rotating the operating knob in forward and reverse directions within the range from the third position to the fully rotated position.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the gas stove 1. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view (without a cooking plate) of the gas stove 1. [Figure 3] It is a plan view (without a cooking plate) of the gas stove 1. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view (without a cooking plate) of the gas stove 1. [Figure 5] It is a plan view showing the internal structure of the housing 2. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the structure of the upper surface of the middle bottom plate 60. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the infrared temperature sensor 51. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the state where infrared rays radiated from the object to be heated W on the cooking plate 4 are guided to the infrared temperature sensor 51 through the opening 312. [Figure 9] It is a plan view showing the state where infrared rays radiated from the object to be heated W on the cooking plate are guided to the infrared temperature sensor 51 through the opening 312. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gas stove 1. [Figure 11] It is a graph showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the operation knob and the heating power of the middle burner. [Figure 12] It is a partial enlarged view of the W1 region shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 13] It is a plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (initial position). [Figure 14] It is a plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (first position). [Figure 15] It is a plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (second position). [Figure 16] It is a plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (third position). [Figure 17] It is a plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (fourth position). [Figure 18] It is a plan view around the heating power detection cam 70 (fifth position). [Figure 19] This is a plan view of the area surrounding the fire power detection cam 70 (6th position). [Figure 20] This is a flowchart for the firepower determination process. [Figure 21] This table shows the relationship between the rotation angle of the flame intensity detection cam, the on / off combination of the flame intensity detection switch and the circuit board switch, and the flame intensity of the middle burner. [Modes 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 attached to 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 provided 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 of the infrared R1 of the first photodetector 58 and the optical axis of the infrared R2 of the second photodetector 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 heat output switching valve 83, the first heat output detection switch 91, the second heat output detection switch 92, and the circuit board 120 for the infrared temperature sensor 51. The safety valve 84 is connected to the thermocouple 502. The first heat output detection switch 91 and the second heat output detection 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 controller 100 opens the main gas solenoid valve 81 and the gas shut-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 the increase in rotation angle until the rotation angle reaches 70°. The amount of gas is maximum when the rotation angle is between 70° 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, becoming almost constant in the range of 145° to 160° rotation angles, and 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.

[0064] In this relationship between rotation angle and flame output, the user should 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 reverse direction increases the flame output, and rotating it in the forward 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 second heat detection 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 firepower detection cam 70, a first firepower detection switch 91, and a second firepower detection switch 92.

[0074] The shape of the fire intensity detection cam 70 will now be described. As shown in Figure 12, 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 at 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] As shown in Figure 13, 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, a fourth cam surface 74, a fifth cam surface 75, and a sixth cam surface 76. The first cam surface 71, the second cam surface 72, and the third cam surface 73 are "convex cam surfaces" that protrude radially outward in an arc shape. The fourth cam surface 74, the fifth cam surface 75, and the sixth cam surface 76 are "concave cam surfaces" that curve radially inward in an arc shape compared to the convex cam surfaces.

[0076] The first cam surface 71, the second cam surface 72, and the third cam surface 73 are positioned spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis 40A. In the initial position, the first cam surface 71 is located behind the fire power detection cam 70, the second cam surface 72 is located to the left front of the fire power detection cam 70, and the third cam surface 73 is located to the right front of the fire power detection cam 70. The arc length of the first cam surface 71 is longer than the arc lengths of the second cam surface 72 and the third cam surface 73, respectively. The arc lengths of the second cam surface 72 and the third cam surface 73 are approximately the same.

[0077] The fourth cam surface 74 is located between the first cam surface 71 and the second cam surface 72. The fifth cam surface 75 is located between the second cam surface 72 and the third cam surface 73. The sixth cam surface 76 is located between the third cam surface 73 and the first cam surface 71. The arc lengths of the fourth cam surface 74 and the fifth cam surface 75 are approximately the same.

[0078] Therefore, when the fire power detection cam 70 is viewed from above, the cam surface 700 has the following surfaces arranged in order from the upstream side in the positive rotation direction: the first cam surface 71, the fourth cam surface 74, the second cam surface 72, the fifth cam surface 75, the third cam surface 73, and the sixth cam surface 76.

[0079] The first and second flame detection switches 91 and 92 will now be described. The first and second flame detection switches 91 and 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 a specified force. The first flame detection switch 91 is located to the left front of the flame detection cam 70. The second flame detection switch 92 is located to the right rear of the flame detection cam 70. In other words, the first and second flame detection switches 91 and 92 are located diagonally opposite each other, with the flame detection cam 70 in the center.

[0080] The first fire power 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 fire power detection cam 70 rotates, the tip of the lever 91A slides against the cam surface 700, thereby turning the first fire power detection switch 91 on and off.

[0081] The second fire power detection 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, thereby turning the second fire power detection switch 92 on and off.

[0082] The first fire power detection switch 91 and the second fire power detection switch 92 transmit detection signals to the controller 100. The detection signals are the ON or OFF signals of the first fire power detection switch 91 and the second fire power detection 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 fire power, medium fire power, or high fire power.

[0083] Referring to Figures 13 to 19, the relationship between the rotational position of the heat detection cam 70 and the on / off states of the first heat detection switch 91 and the second heat detection switch 92 will be explained. The heat detection cam 70 has six 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, the fourth position, and the fifth position.

[0084] <Initial position> As shown in Figure 13, the rotation angle in the initial position is 0°. When the fire power detection cam 70 is in the initial position, the tip of the lever 91A of the first fire power detection switch 91 slides against the fourth cam surface 74. Therefore, the first fire power detection switch 91 is turned off. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the second fire power detection switch 92 slides against the sixth cam surface 76. Therefore, the second fire power detection switch 92 is also turned off.

[0085] <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 first flame detection switch 91 continues to slide against the fourth cam surface 74. Therefore, the first flame detection switch 91 remains off. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the second flame detection switch 92 slides against the third cam surface 73. Therefore, the second flame detection switch 92 turns on.

[0086] <2nd position> As shown in Figure 15, the rotation angle at the second position is 40°. When the fire power detection cam 70 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the tip of the lever 91A of the first fire power detection switch 91 slides against the first cam surface 71. Therefore, the first fire power detection switch 91 is turned on. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the second fire power detection switch 92 continues to slide against the third cam surface 73. Therefore, the second fire power detection switch 92 remains on.

[0087] <3rd position> As shown in Figure 16, the rotation angle at the third position is 70°. When the fire power detection cam 70 is rotated from the second position to the third position, the tip of the lever 91A of the first fire power detection switch 91 continues to slide against the first cam surface 71. Therefore, the first fire power detection switch 91 remains on. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the second fire power detection switch 92 slides against the fifth cam surface 75. Therefore, the second fire power detection switch 92 is turned off. <4th position> As shown in Figure 17, the rotation angle at the fourth position is 120°. When the fire power detection cam 70 is rotated from the third position to the fourth position, the tip of the lever 91A of the first fire power detection switch 91 continues to slide against the first cam surface 71. Therefore, the first fire power detection switch 91 remains on. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the second fire power detection switch 92 slides against the second cam surface 72. Therefore, the second fire power detection switch 92 turns on.

[0088] <5th position> As shown in Figure 18, the rotation angle at the fifth position is 145°. When the fire power detection cam 70 is rotated from the fourth position to the fifth position, the tip of the lever 91A of the first fire power detection switch 91 slides against the sixth cam surface 76. Therefore, the first fire power detection switch 91 is turned off. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the second fire power detection switch 92 continues to slide against the second cam surface 72. Therefore, the second fire power detection switch 92 remains on.

[0089] <6th position> As shown in Figure 19, the rotation angle at the sixth position is 160°, which is the fully rotated position. When the flame detection cam 70 is rotated from the fifth position to the sixth position, the tip of the lever 91A of the first flame detection switch 91 continues to slide against the sixth cam surface 76. Therefore, the first flame detection switch 91 remains off. On the other hand, the tip of the lever 92A of the second flame detection switch 92 also continues to slide against the second cam surface 72. Therefore, the second flame detection switch 92 remains on.

[0090] The heat output determination process will be explained with reference to Figures 20 and 21. 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.

[0091] As shown in Figure 20, the controller 100 determines whether the first fire power detection switch 91 is off or not (S11). If the first fire power detection switch 91 is off (S11: YES), the controller 100 determines whether the second fire power detection switch 92 is off or not (S12). If the second fire power detection switch 92 is also off (S12: YES), then both the first fire power detection switch 91 and the second fire power detection switch 92 are off, and the controller 100 determines that the fire is extinguished (S14). At this time, the rotation angle of the operating knob 11 is 0° (see Figure 21), and the rotation position of the operating knob 11 is the initial position. The controller 100 transmits fire power information indicating that the middle burner 5 is extinguished to the infrared temperature sensor 51 (S18), and terminates this process.

[0092] If the first heat detection switch 91 is off (S11: YES) and the second heat detection switch 92 is on (S12: NO), the controller 100 determines that the heat level is low (S15). At this time, the rotation angle θ of the control knob 11 is within the range of greater than 5° and less than 40°, or within the range of 145° to 160° (see Figure 21).

[0093] As described above, the rotation angle at the first position is 5° (see Figure 14). The rotation angle at the fifth position is 145° (see Figure 19). Therefore, when the operating knob 11 is in the first or fifth position, the controller 100 determines that the flame is low. The controller 100 transmits flame information indicating that the middle burner 5 is at low flame to the infrared temperature sensor 51 (S18), and terminates this process.

[0094] If the first fire power detection switch 91 is ON (S11: NO), the controller 100 determines whether the second fire power detection switch 92 is ON or OFF (S13). If the second fire power detection switch 92 is also ON (S13: YES), the controller 100 determines that the fire is ON (S16). At this time, the rotation angle θ of the operation knob 11 is within the range of 40° or more and less than 70°, or within the range of 120° or more and less than 145° (see Figure 21).

[0095] As described above, the rotation angle for the second position is 40° (see Figure 15). The rotation angle for the fourth position is 120° (see Figure 17). Therefore, when the operating knob 11 is in the second or fourth position, the controller 100 determines that the burner is operating. The controller 100 transmits burner information indicating that the middle burner 5 is operating to the infrared temperature sensor 51 (S18), and terminates this process.

[0096] If the first firepower detection switch 91 is ON (S11: NO) and the second firepower detection switch 92 is OFF (S13: NO), the controller 100 determines that the firepower is high (S17). At this time, the rotation angle θ of the operation knob 11 is within the range of 70° or more and less than 120° (see Figure 19).

[0097] As described above, the rotation angle of the third position is 70° (see Figure 16). Therefore, when the operating knob 11 is in the third position, the controller 100 determines that the flame is at high power. The controller 100 transmits flame information indicating that the middle burner 5 is at high power to the infrared temperature sensor 51 (S18), and terminates this process.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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. The first heat detection switch 91 and lever 91A are an example of the "first switch" of the present invention. The second heat detection switch 92 and lever 92A are an example of the "second switch" of the present invention. Medium heat is an example of the "first heat" of the present invention. High heat is an example of the "second heat" of the present invention. Low heat is an example of the "third heat" of the present invention.

[0100] The first and fifth positions of the control knob 11 are examples of the "third heat output position" of the present invention. The second and fourth positions of the control knob 11 are examples of the "first heat output position" of the present invention. The third position of the control knob 11 is an example of the "second heat output position" of the present invention.

[0101] As described above, the gas stove 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a heat output adjustment device 41 for adjusting the heat output of the middle burner 5. The gas stove 1 is equipped with a controller 100. The controller 100 controls the operation of the gas stove 1. The heat output adjustment device 41 is equipped with an operating knob 11, a heat output detection cam 70, a first heat output detection switch 91, and a second heat output detection switch 92. The operating knob 11 rotates around a rotation axis 40A. The heat output detection cam 70 has a cam surface 700 on its outer circumference and rotates around the rotation axis 40A in conjunction with the rotation of the operating knob 11. The first heat output detection switch 91 is provided in a position that contacts the cam surface 700 of the heat output detection cam 70 and is a microswitch that is turned on and off by sliding the cam surface 700. The second heat output detection switch 92 is provided in a position opposite to the first heat output detection switch 91 with the heat output detection cam 70 in between, and is a microswitch that is turned on and off by sliding the cam surface 700.

[0102] The cam surface 700 comprises three convex cam surfaces and three concave cam surfaces. The three convex cam surfaces are the first cam surface 71, the second cam surface 72, and the third cam surface 73. These three convex cam surfaces are positioned spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and protrude radially outward from the fire power detection cam 70, turning on the first fire power detection switch 91 or the second fire power detection switch 92. On the other hand, the three concave cam surfaces are the fourth cam surface 74, the fifth cam surface 75, and the sixth cam surface 76. These three concave cam surfaces are positioned spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction from the three convex cam surfaces and are recessed radially inward from the three convex cam surfaces, turning off the first fire power detection switch 91 or the second fire power detection switch 92. Depending on the rotational position of the control knob 11, the three convex cam surfaces and the three concave cam surfaces respectively turn the first heat detection switch 91 or the second heat detection switch 92 on or off.

[0103] Controller 100 determines that the middle burner 5 is extinguished if both the first fire intensity detection switch 91 and the second fire intensity detection switch 92 are off. Controller 100 determines that the middle burner 5 is at medium heat if both the first fire intensity detection switch 91 and the second fire intensity detection switch 92 are on. Controller 100 determines that the middle burner 5 is at high heat if the first fire intensity detection switch 91 is on and the second fire intensity detection switch 92 is off. Controller 100 determines that the middle burner 5 is at low heat if the first fire intensity detection switch 91 is off and the second fire intensity detection switch 92 is on.

[0104] As a result, the gas stove 1 can detect the extinguishing state of the middle burner 5 and the three flame levels based on the on / off status of the first flame level detection switch 91 and the second flame level detection switch 92, respectively, thus eliminating the need for complex control. Furthermore, the flame level detection configuration can be simplified to a flame level detection cam 70, the first flame level detection switch 91, and the second flame level detection switch 92.

[0105] Furthermore, in this 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 the following cam surfaces in order from the upstream side in the forward rotation direction of the operating knob 11: the first cam surface 71, the fourth cam surface 74, the second cam surface 72, the fifth cam surface 75, the third cam surface 73, and the sixth cam surface 76.

[0106] The control knob 11 has five rotational positions: the first to the fifth. The first position is 5° from the initial position in the positive direction. The second position is 40° from the initial position in the positive direction. The third position is 70° from the initial position in the positive direction. The fourth position is 120° from the initial position in the positive direction. The fifth position is 145° from the initial position in the positive direction.

[0107] The flame of the medium burner 5 is as follows when the control knob 11 is rotated in the forward direction: low flame between the 1st and 2nd positions, medium flame between the 2nd and 3rd positions, high flame between the 3rd and 4th positions, medium flame between the 4th and 5th positions, and low flame between the 5th position and the fully rotated position. The 1st and 5th positions are where the medium burner 5 has a low flame. The 2nd and 4th positions are where the medium burner 5 has a medium flame. The 3rd position is where the medium burner 5 has a high flame.

[0108] When the operating knob 11 is in its initial position, the fourth cam surface 74 is positioned to slide against the first firepower detection switch 91, and the sixth cam surface 76 is positioned to slide against the second firepower detection switch 92. When the operating knob 11 is in its first position, the fourth cam surface 74 is positioned to slide against the first firepower detection switch 91, and the third cam surface 73 is positioned to slide against the second firepower detection switch 92. When the operating knob 11 is in its second position, the first cam surface 71 is positioned to slide against the first firepower detection switch 91, and the third cam surface 73 is positioned to slide against the second firepower detection switch 92. When the operating knob 11 is in the third position, the first cam surface 71 is positioned to slide against the first heat detection switch 91, and the fifth cam surface 75 is positioned to slide against the second heat detection switch 92. When the operating knob 11 is in the fourth position, the first cam surface 71 is positioned to slide against the first heat detection switch 91, and the second cam surface 72 is positioned to slide against the second heat detection switch 92. When the operating knob 11 is in the fifth position, the sixth cam surface 76 is positioned to slide against the first heat detection switch 91, and the second cam surface 72 is positioned to slide against the second heat detection switch 92.

[0109] As a result, the gas stove 1 can appropriately turn the first flame detection switch 91 and the second flame detection switch 92 on and off according to the six rotation positions of the control knob 11. Therefore, the controller 100 of the gas stove 1 can appropriately detect the extinguishing state of the middle burner 5 and the three flame levels based on the on / off status of the first flame detection switch 91 and the second flame detection switch 92, respectively.

[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 control knob 11 can rotate from 0° to 160°, but it may also be able to rotate beyond 160°. For example, it may be able to rotate up to 360°. In this case, the flame detection cam 70 will also be able to rotate from 0° to 360°.

[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] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when both the first heat detection switch 91 and the second heat detection switch 92 are off, the middle burner 5 is in an extinguished state. In this case, 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 70. Firepower detection cam 71 First cam surface 72 Second cam surface 73 Third cam surface 74. Fourth cam surface 75 Fifth cam surface 76. 6th cam surface 91. First fire detection switch 92 Second fire detection switch 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 in conjunction with the rotation of the operating knob around the rotation axis, 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, A second switch, which is a microswitch, is provided on the opposite side of the first switch, with the aforementioned fire power detection cam in between, and is turned on and off by sliding the cam surface. Equipped with, The aforementioned cam surface is Three convex cam surfaces are provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, protruding radially outward from the fire power detection cam, and turning on the first switch or the second switch, Three concave cam surfaces are provided between the three convex cam surfaces, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, recessed radially inward from the three convex cam surfaces, and turn off the first switch or the second switch. Equipped with, Depending on the rotational position of the operating knob, the three convex cam surfaces and the three concave cam surfaces respectively turn the first switch and the second switch on and off. 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 both the first switch and the second switch are on, the heat output of the heating source is determined to be the first heat output. When the first switch is ON and the second switch is OFF, the heat output of the heating source is determined to be the second heat output. A cooking appliance characterized in that, when the first switch is off and the second switch is on, the heat output of the heating source is determined to be the third heat output.

2. The three convex cam surfaces are a first cam surface, a second cam surface, and a third cam surface, which are provided on the cam surface at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The three concave cam surfaces are a fourth cam surface, a fifth cam surface, and a sixth cam surface provided on the cam surface, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction from the first cam surface, the second cam surface, and the third cam surface, When the operating knob is in the initial position where the heating source is in the extinguished state, any two of the fourth cam surface, the fifth cam surface, and the sixth cam surface are positioned at each position where it slides with the first switch and the second switch. When the operating knob is in the first heat setting position, where the heat setting is the first heat setting, any two of the first cam surface, the second cam surface, and the third cam surface are positioned at each position where they slide with the first switch and the second switch. When the operating knob is in the second heat setting position, which sets the heat setting to the second heat setting, one of the first cam surface, the second cam surface, and the third cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and one of the fourth cam surface, the fifth cam surface, and the sixth cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. When the operating knob is in the third flame position, which sets the flame to the third flame, one of the fourth cam surface, the fifth cam surface, and the sixth cam surface is positioned to slide with the first switch, and one of the first cam surface, the second cam surface, and the third cam surface is positioned to slide with the second switch. A heating appliance according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The aforementioned operating knob is rotatable in forward and reverse directions around the rotation axis, The cam surface is provided with the following in order from the upstream side in the forward rotation direction of the operating knob: the first cam surface, the fourth cam surface, the second cam surface, the fifth cam surface, the third cam surface, and the sixth cam surface. The rotational position of the aforementioned operating knob is A first position is a position at a first angle in the positive direction from the initial position, A second position is a position in the positive direction from the initial position that is greater than the first angle, A third position is a position in the positive direction from the initial position that is greater than the second angle, and Equipped with, The heat output of the heating source is such that, when the operating knob is rotated in the forward direction, the heat output is the third heat output between the first and second positions, and the heat output is the first heat output between the second and third positions. The first position corresponds to the third fire position, The second position corresponds to the first fire position, The third position corresponds to the second fire position, When the operating knob is in the initial position, the fourth cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the sixth 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 third cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. When the operating knob is in the second position, the first 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 third position, the first cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the fifth cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. A heating appliance according to claim 2, characterized by the following:

4. The rotational position of the aforementioned operating knob is A fourth position is a position in the positive direction from the initial position that is a fourth angle greater than the third angle, A fifth position is a position in the positive direction from the initial position that is greater than the fourth angle, and Furthermore, The area between the third position and the fourth position is the second heat source, the area between the fourth position and the fifth position is the first heat source, and the area between the fifth position and the fully rotated position is the third heat source. The fourth position corresponds to the first fire position, The fifth position corresponds to the third fire position, When the operating knob is in the fourth position, the first cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the second cam surface is positioned to slide against the second switch. When the operating knob is in the fifth position, the sixth cam surface is positioned to slide against the first switch, and the second 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. The third firepower is weaker than the first firepower. A heating appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the following:

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