Heating Regulator
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHINPO CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
Smart Images
Figure 2026123730000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking heater.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a cooking heater including a connector unit and a heater unit connected to the connector unit has been known (Patent Document 1).
[0003] The heater unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a cartridge-type heater unit. A cartridge-type heater unit means a heater unit that is detachable from the connector unit. The connector unit is electrically coupled to a power source via a lead wire. When the heater unit is attached to the connector unit, the terminals of the heater unit are in electrical contact with the terminals of the connector unit. The heater unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be turned upside down by being removed from the connector unit.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] The heater unit described in Patent Document 1 needs to be attached to the connector unit again after being inverted. At this time, since the heater unit does not operate properly unless it is securely attached to the connector unit, it is necessary to carefully attach the heater unit, and it is assumed that the attachment takes time.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooking heater including a reversible heater.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] The present invention The heater includes an electric heater body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, The heater is rotatable between an operating position and a retracted position in which the heater body is located above the operating position, and The heater is reversible by rotation around its central axis. heating cooker To provide. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] The present invention provides a cooking appliance equipped with a reversible heater. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the table and the cooking appliance in use. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. However, the housing has been omitted. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the outer casing. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the drain pan. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the reflective material. [Figure 6A] This is a perspective view of a cooking appliance. However, some components have been omitted. [Figure 6B] This is a perspective view of the cooking appliance from a different angle than Figure 6A. However, some components have been omitted. [Figure 7A] This is a perspective view of the heater. [Figure 7B] This is a perspective view of the heater, inverted from the state shown in Figure 7A. [Figure 8A] This is a perspective view of the heater mounted in the heater holder. [Figure 8B] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIIB-VIIIB in Figure 8A. [Figure 8C]It is a side view of a heater assembled to a heater holder. [Figure 9A] It is an exploded perspective view of a heater, a heater holder, a restricting portion, a fixing member, a holder retaining member, a supporting member, a shaft retaining member, and a shaft. [Figure 9B] It is an assembled perspective view in which a heater, a heater holder, a restricting portion, a fixing member, a holder retaining member, a supporting member, a shaft retaining member, and a shaft are assembled. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of a cooking heater after moving the heater to a retracted position. However, the housing is omitted. [Figure 11A] It is a diagram for explaining a procedure for reversing the heater. [Figure 11B] It is a diagram for explaining a procedure for reversing the heater. [Figure 11C] It is a diagram for explaining a procedure for reversing the heater. [Figure 11D] It is a diagram for explaining a procedure for reversing the heater. [Figure 11E] It is a diagram for explaining a procedure for reversing the heater. [Figure 11F] It is a diagram for explaining a procedure for reversing the heater. [Figure 11G] It is a diagram for explaining a procedure for reversing the heater. [Figure 12A] It is a side view showing a modified example of the heater. [Figure 12B] It is a side view showing a modified example of the heater as viewed from the side opposite to that of Fig. 12A.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] The cooking heater 1000 of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings.
[0011] <1. Outline of the cooking heater> The cooking heater 1000 is a device for cooking food by heating. The cooking heater 1000 may be, for example, a cooking heater for cooking food by roasting, such as grilled meat or yakitori.
[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the heating appliance 1000 may be a built-in type heating appliance in which most of the heating appliance 1000 can be housed in a housing T2 provided beneath the top plate T1 of the table T.
[0013] The heating appliance 1000 mainly comprises a filter casing 10, a filter 20, an outer casing 30, a drain pan 40, a reflector 50, a cooking utensil 60, a support ring 70, a top ring 80, a protective cover 90, a heater 100, a heater holder 110, a limiting part 120, a fixing member 130, a holder holding member 140, a support member 150, a shaft holding member 160, a shaft 170, and a stopper 180.
[0014] The heating appliance 1000 may be a round heating appliance in which the components such as the outer casing 30, drain pan 40, reflective member 50, cooking utensil 60, support ring 70 and top ring 80 are substantially circular in plan view, or it may be a rectangular heating appliance in which these components are substantially rectangular in plan view.
[0015] The following describes the details of each component of the cooking appliance 1000. The vertical direction in Figure 1 is described as the vertical direction of the cooking appliance 1000. The direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is described as the horizontal direction of the cooking appliance 1000.
[0016] <2-1. Filter Casing and Filter> As shown in Figure 2, the filter casing 10 comprises a bottom wall 11 and a peripheral wall 12. The bottom wall 11 has an exhaust port 11a in the center. A duct 2000 may be connected to the lower part of the filter casing 10. The inside of the duct 2000 communicates with the exhaust port 11a of the bottom wall 11. An exhaust device 3000, such as a blower, may be connected to the duct 2000. The filter 20 removes oil contained in the exhaust. The filter 20 is positioned inside the filter casing 10 and covering the exhaust port 11a of the bottom wall 11.
[0017] <2-2. Outer Casing> As shown in Figure 2, the outer casing 30 is positioned above the filter casing 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outer casing 30 comprises a peripheral wall 31, a bottom plate 32, two side plates 33, and a drain pan support 34.
[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the lower part of the peripheral wall 31 is located inside the filter casing 10. The lower end of the peripheral wall 31 is open. Therefore, the internal space of the outer casing 30 is in communication with the internal space of the filter casing 10.
[0019] As shown in Figure 3, a first opening 31a is provided in the peripheral wall 31. The bottom plate 32 is connected to the lower edge of the first opening 31a. The bottom plate 32 extends radially inward from the peripheral wall 31. As will be described later, a stopper 180 is attached to the bottom plate 32 (see Figure 6B). The two side plates 33 are connected to the two side edges of the first opening 31a and the bottom plate 32, respectively. The two side plates 33 extend radially inward from the peripheral wall 31.
[0020] The drain pan support portion 34 is connected to the inner surface of the peripheral wall 31. The drain pan support portion 34 supports the drain pan 40 from below (see Figure 6A).
[0021] <2-3. Drain Pan> As shown in Figures 2 and 6A, the drain pan 40 is located inside the outer casing 30 and rests on the drain pan support 34. Water is placed in the drain pan 40 while the cooking appliance 1000 is in use.
[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the drain pan 40 comprises a bottom wall 41, a first peripheral wall 42, a flange portion 43, a second peripheral wall 44, a bottom plate 45, and two side plates 46.
[0023] The first circumferential wall 42 rises from the bottom wall 41. The flange portion 43 extends outward approximately horizontally from the upper end of the first circumferential wall 42. The second circumferential wall 44 extends upward from the outer edge of the flange portion 43.
[0024] A second opening 42a is provided in the first peripheral wall 42. The second opening 42a extends from the upper end of the second peripheral wall 44 to partway down the first peripheral wall 42. The second opening 42a communicates with the first opening 31a. The bottom plate 45 is connected to the lower edge of the second opening 42a. The bottom plate 45 is positioned on the bottom plate 32 of the outer casing 30 so as to partially overlap with the bottom plate 32. The two side plates 46 are connected to the side edge of the second opening 42a and the bottom plate 45, respectively. The two side plates 46 are positioned inside the side plate 33 of the outer casing 30 so as to partially overlap with the side plate 33.
[0025] <2-4. Reflective Material> As shown in Figure 2, the reflector 50 is positioned inside the drain pan 40. The reflector 50 reflects the heat radiated from the heater body 101 of the heater 100 towards the cookware 60. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the reflector 50 comprises a bottom wall 51, a peripheral wall 52, and a flange portion 53.
[0026] The bottom wall 51 has an opening 51a in the center. The peripheral wall 52 extends upward from the bottom wall 51. The peripheral wall 52 is provided with a third opening 52a. The third opening 52a extends from the flange portion 53 to partway down the peripheral wall 52. The third opening 52a communicates with the second opening 42a.
[0027] The flange portion 53 extends outward substantially horizontally from the upper end of the peripheral wall 52. The flange portion 53 rests on the flange portion 43 of the drain pan 40.
[0028] <2-5. Cooking Utensils> The cooking utensil 60 is a component on which food ingredients are placed. As shown in Figure 2, the cooking utensil 60 is placed on the flange portion 53 of the reflector member 50. The cooking utensil 60 may be a component having multiple openings. The cooking utensil 60 may be a mesh or a grate. When the heating cooker 1000 is in use, the top of the cooking utensil 60 is not covered with a lid or anything similar, and the top of the cooking utensil 60 is open.
[0029] <2-6. Support Ring and Top Ring> The support ring 70 is a component for supporting the top ring 80. As shown in Figure 2, the support ring 70 is attached to the top plate T1 and is positioned above the outer casing 30. The top ring 80 rests on the support ring 70. The top ring 80 has a plurality of suction ports 80a. When the exhaust device 3000 is in operation, smoke rising from the food is drawn in through the suction ports 80a, filtered by the filter 20, and exhausted through the duct 2000.
[0030] <2-7. Protective Cover> As shown in Figure 2, the protective cover 90 is placed on the upper ends of the two side plates 33 of the outer casing 30. The protective cover 90 covers the shaft 170, the heater holder 110, and the second heater casing 103. The protective cover 90 also covers most of the third opening 52a of the reflective member 50. This configuration prevents the protective cover 90 from getting on these components with spills of sauce, oil, or other contaminants from food.
[0031] <2-8. Heater> The heater 100 radiates heat to heat the cooking utensil 60 and the food on the cooking utensil 60.
[0032] The heater 100 may be a heater other than a cartridge type. A heater other than a cartridge type is electrically coupled to the power supply by lead wires 4000 without going through a connector unit.
[0033] As shown in Figures 2, 7A, and 7B, the heater 100 comprises a heater body 101, a first heater casing 102, and a second heater casing 103. The heater 100 has a central axis O. As will be described in detail later, the heater 100 can be reversed by rotating it approximately 180 degrees around the central axis O.
[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the heater body 101 is positioned within the reflector member 50 and directly beneath the cooking appliance 60. The first heater casing 102 and the second heater casing 103 are partially housed in the heater holder 110 and are positioned within the first opening 31a of the outer casing 30 and the second opening 42a of the drain pan 40.
[0035] The heater body 101 is electrically heated. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, two lead wires 4000 are connected to the terminals of the heater body 101. The two lead wires 4000 are electrically connected to a power supply (not shown). The heater body 101 may be made by bending a single linear sheath heater. The heater body 101 may be flattened. The shape of the heater body 101 in plan view may be substantially the same as the shape of the heater body 101 in bottom view.
[0036] The heater body 101 has a first surface 101a and a second surface 101b opposite to the first surface 101a. The first surface 101a and the second surface 101b are approximately parallel to each other. When the cooking appliance 1000 is in use, the heater 100 is positioned such that the first surface 101a and the second surface 101b are approximately parallel to the horizontal direction (see Figure 2). The heater 100 can be used with the first surface 101a facing upwards (with the first surface 101a facing the cooking appliance 60) or with the second surface 101b facing upwards (with the second surface 101b facing the cooking appliance 60). By reversing the heater 100, it is possible to switch between the state with the first surface 101a facing upwards and the state with the second surface 101b facing upwards.
[0037] As will be explained in more detail later, during use of the heater 100, the first heater casing 102 is partially housed in the first housing section 111 of the heater holder 110, as shown in Figure 8A. The second heater casing 103 is also partially housed in the second housing section 113 of the heater holder 110. As shown in Figure 11C, when inverting the heater 100, the heater 100 is pulled out of the heater holder 110 until the second heater casing 103 is completely detached from the second housing section 113.
[0038] In the following explanation, "front" refers to a position relatively close to the heater body 101, and "rear" refers to a position relatively far from the heater body 101.
[0039] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the central axis of the first heater casing 102 substantially coincides with the central axis O of the heater 100. The outer surface of the first heater casing 102 is substantially circular in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the central axis of the first heater casing 102. The first heater casing 102 is, for example, cylindrical.
[0040] The first heater casing 102 has one circumferential groove 102a and two axial grooves 102b and 102c on its outer surface. The one circumferential groove 102a and the two axial grooves 102b and 102c, together with the limiting section 120 (see Figure 8B), constitute a limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism is a mechanism that limits the rotation range of the heater 100 around the central axis O to a predetermined range or less when the heater 100 is reversed. Preferably, the limiting mechanism is a mechanism that limits the rotation range of the heater 100 around the central axis O to a rotation range of approximately 360 degrees or less. More preferably, the limiting mechanism is a mechanism that prevents the heater 100 from rotating more than approximately 180 degrees around the central axis O. "Approximately 360 degrees" and "approximately 180 degrees" are not limited to those angles, but include errors caused by manufacturing errors of the parts. The limiting mechanism is not limited to a combination of one circumferential groove 102a and two axial grooves 102b, 102c and a limiting section 120.
[0041] The circumferential groove 102a has a curved shape and extends in the circumferential direction of the first heater casing 102 over approximately half the circumference of the first heater casing 102 (i.e., approximately 180 degrees). Both ends of the circumferential groove 102a are connected to two axial grooves 102b and 102c, respectively. Also, as shown in Figure 8C, both ends of the circumferential groove 102a terminate on a plane substantially identical to plane P. Plane P is a plane that passes through the midpoint between the first surface 101a and the second surface 101b of the heater body 101 and is parallel to the first surface 101a and the second surface 101b.
[0042] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the two axial grooves 102b and 102c are provided symmetrically with respect to the central axis O. Each axial groove 102b and 102c extends linearly, substantially parallel to the central axis O. As shown in Figure 8C, the central axes of each axial groove 102b and 102c are located on substantially the same plane as plane P. As shown in Figures 7A and 8B, a conical recess 102d is provided at the bottom near the front end of the axial groove 102b. Also, as shown in Figures 7B and 8B, a conical recess 102e is provided at the bottom near the front end of the axial groove 102c.
[0043] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, a stopper 104 is provided at the rear end of the first heater casing 102. The stopper 104 stops the heater 100 by contacting the first housing 111 when the heater 100 is pulled out of the heater holder 110. The stopper 104 may be integrally and inseparably part of the first heater casing 102. The stopper 104 is, for example, an annular portion whose outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the first housing 111.
[0044] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the second heater casing 103 is coupled to the front end of the first heater casing 102. The second heater casing 103 may be integrally and inseparably connected to the first heater casing 102. The second heater casing 103 covers the connection between the terminals of the heater body 101 and the lead wire 4000. The lead wire 4000 exits the heater 100 through the second heater casing 103 and the first heater casing 102.
[0045] The second heater casing 103 may be non-cylindrical. The second heater casing 103 may be a hollow rectangular parallelepiped. The second heater casing 103 comprises a bottom plate 103a, an upper plate 103b substantially parallel to the bottom plate 103a, a front plate 103c, a rear plate 103d substantially parallel to the front plate 103c, and two side plates 103e substantially parallel to each other. The bottom plate 103a and the upper plate 103b are substantially parallel to the first surface 101a and the second surface 101b of the heater body 101.
[0046] Each of the two side plates 103e is provided with a first attitude maintenance unit 103f. The first attitude maintenance unit 103f works in cooperation with the second attitude maintenance unit 113e (see Figure 8A), which will be described later, to maintain the heater 100 in the correct position when it is in use. In this embodiment, the first attitude maintenance unit 103f is a cylindrical or cylindrical projection that protrudes from each side plate 103e. As shown in Figure 8C, the center of the projection is located on a plane substantially identical to plane P. Note that the first attitude maintenance unit 103f is not limited to a cylindrical or cylindrical projection.
[0047] <2-9. Heater holder and limiting section> As shown in Figure 8A, the heater holder 110 comprises a first housing section 111, a holding section 112, and a second housing section 113. As shown in Figure 9A, the heater holder 110 functions as a rotation mechanism together with the holder holding member 140, the support member 150, the shaft holding member 160, and the shaft 170. The rotation mechanism is a mechanism that allows the heater 100 to rotate between an operating position (see Figure 2) and a retracted position (see Figure 10).
[0048] The central axis of the first housing 111 is approximately the same as the central axis O of the heater 100. The inner surface of the first housing 111 is approximately circular when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the central axis of the first housing 111. The first housing 111 is, for example, cylindrical. The first heater casing 102 is partially inserted into the first housing 111.
[0049] The retaining portion 112 holds the restricting portion 120 (see Figure 8B). The retaining portion 112 is provided on the peripheral wall of the first housing portion 111. The retaining portion 112 is cylindrical. The central axis of the retaining portion 112 is approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the first housing portion 111. The retaining portion 112 may be integrally and inseparably connected to the first housing portion 111.
[0050] As already mentioned, the limiting portion 120 functions as part of the limiting mechanism. Furthermore, when the heater 100 is moved relative to the heater holder 110, the limiting portion 120 works in cooperation with the circumferential groove 102a and the axial grooves 102b and 102c to guide the movement of the heater 100.
[0051] As shown in Figure 8B, the limiting portion 120 is located within the holding portion 112. The limiting portion 120 may be a separate component from the heater holder 110. The limiting portion 120 may be detachable from the holding portion 112. The limiting portion 120 may be, for example, a pin-shaped member. The limiting portion 120 may be, for example, a ball plunger. If the limiting portion 120 is a ball plunger, it includes a plunger 121, an elastic member 122 (for example, a compression coil spring), and a ball 123. The plunger 121 is screw-connected to the holding portion 112. The elastic member 122 is located within the plunger 121 and is in contact with the ball 123. The heater 100 is positioned in place when the ball 123 fits into the recess 102d or recess 102e. A fixing member 130 is attached to the holding portion 112 to prevent the limiting portion 120 from loosening. The fixing member 130 is, for example, a screw. When the first surface 101a of the heater body 101 is facing upward, the tip (ball 123) of the limiting portion 120 is positioned in the recess 102d. As will be described in detail later, when the heater 100 is inverted, the limiting portion 120 passes from the axial groove 102b through the circumferential groove 102a to reach the axial groove 102c.
[0052] As shown in Figure 8A, the second housing section 113 is connected to the front end of the first housing section 111. The second housing section 113 may be an integral and inseparable part of the first housing section 111. The internal space of the second housing section 113 is in communication with the internal space of the first housing section 111.
[0053] The second housing section 113 may be non-cylindrical. As shown in Figures 8A and 9A, the second housing section 113 may be a hollow rectangular parallelepiped and have an internal space with a shape complementary to the second heater casing 103. The second heater casing 103 is partially housed within the second housing section 113. As shown in Figure 9A, the second housing section 113 comprises a bottom plate 113a, an upper plate 113b substantially parallel to the bottom plate 113a, a rear plate 113c, and two side plates 113d substantially parallel to each other.
[0054] Each of the two side plates 113d is provided with a second attitude maintenance part 113e. The second attitude maintenance part 113e is engageable with the first attitude maintenance part 103f. In this embodiment, the second attitude maintenance part 113e is a notch into which a projection (first attitude maintenance part 103f) is inserted. However, the second attitude maintenance part 113e is not limited to a notch and is designed as appropriate to match the structure of the first attitude maintenance part 103f.
[0055] As shown in the enlarged view of the lower left portion of Figure 9A, the notch opens at the front edge 113f of each side plate 113d. The projection enters the notch through the opening provided in the front edge 113f. The notch is formed by two edges 113g that extend linearly and substantially parallel to each other, and an edge 113h that curves concavely. The curvature of the curved edge 113h is substantially the same as the curvature of the projection. A rounded edge 113i is provided at the intersection (corner) of the front edge 113f and the edge 113g.
[0056] <2-10. Holder Retaining Member> As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the two holder retaining members 140 hold the heater holder 110. The two holder retaining members 140 are spaced apart from each other. Each holder retaining member 140 comprises a plate-shaped first portion 141 and a plate-shaped second portion 142.
[0057] Each of the two first parts 141 is joined to the outer surface of the two side plates 113d of the second housing 113. Each first part 141 may be integrally and inseparably attached to the side plates 113d, or it may be detachable from the side plates 113d. Each first part 141 has a curved notch 141a with approximately the same curvature as the first posture-maintaining part 103f (projection). Each first part 141 also has a through hole 141b into which the shaft 170 is inserted.
[0058] The second part 142 is approximately perpendicular to the first part 141. The second part 142 may be integrally and inseparably connected to the first part 141. As will be described later, a portion of each second part 142 may come into contact with the contact portion 183 of the stopper 180 when the heater 100 is moved to the retracted position (see Figure 10).
[0059] <2-11. Support Members> As shown in Figure 9B, the support member 150 is a component for attaching the shaft holding member 160. The support member 150 is attached to the housing T2 by screws or the like.
[0060] <2-12. Shaft holding member> The shaft holding member 160 is a member for holding the shaft 170. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the shaft holding member 160 is attached to the support member 150 by screws or the like. The shaft holding member 160 has two mounting portions 161 spaced apart from each other. Each of the two mounting portions 161 has a through hole 161a. Each through hole 161a is aligned with the through hole 141b of the first portion 141.
[0061] <2-13. Shaft> As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the shaft 170 is made of a cylindrical or cylindrical rod. The shaft 170 is the center of rotation when the heater 100 is rotated between the operating position and the retracted position. The shaft 170 is inserted into the through holes 161a of the two mounting parts 161 and the through holes 141b of the two first parts 141.
[0062] <2-14. Stopper> The stopper 180 is a component for stopping the heater 100 in a retracted position. As shown in Figure 6B, the stopper 180 comprises a fixed portion 181, two rising portions 182, and two contact portions 183. The fixed portion 181 is attached to the bottom plate 32 of the outer casing 30. The two rising portions 182 each extend upward from the fixed portion 181. The two rising portions 182 are spaced apart from each other. The two contact portions 183 each are attached to the two rising portions 182 by screws. The distance between the two contact portions 183 is approximately the same as the distance between the two second portions 142. Each contact portion 183 protrudes from the rising portion 182. Each contact portion 183 may be integrally and inseparably attached to the rising portion 182. As shown in Figure 10, when the heater 100 is rotated from the operating position to the retracted position, parts of the two second parts 142 each come into contact with the contact parts 183, causing the heater 100 to stop in the retracted position. The tilt angle of the heater body 101 in the retracted position (the angle of the heater body 101 in the retracted position, with the angle of the heater body 101 in the operating position being 0 degrees) can be appropriately changed by changing the dimensions and angles of each rising part 182 or each contact part 183.
[0063] The holder holding member 140 and / or stopper 180 may include fixing means for fixing the heater 100 in the retracted position. The second portion 142 of the holder holding member 140 may be made of a material that can adhere to a permanent magnet by magnetic force, and the contact portion 183 may, as a fixing means, include a permanent magnet in part, or the contact portion 183 itself may be made of a permanent magnet. Alternatively, conversely, as a fixing means, the second portion 142 of the holder holding member 140 may include a permanent magnet in part, or the second portion 142 itself may be made of a permanent magnet, and the contact portion 183 may be made of a material that can adhere to a permanent magnet by magnetic force. As a result, the second portion 142 adheres to the contact portion 183 by magnetic force, so that the heater 100 can be fixed in the retracted position. Examples of materials that can adhere to a permanent magnet by magnetic force include steel materials such as carbon steel and ferritic stainless steel, or permanent magnets such as ferrite magnets.
[0064] <3. Procedure for rotating and moving the heater> Referring to Figures 2 and 10, the procedure for rotating the heater 100 between the operating position and the retracted position will be described.
[0065] As shown in Figure 2, when the heater 100 is in operation, the heater body 101 is positioned directly above the drain pan 40 and the reflector 50. Also, the first surface 101a and the second surface 101b of the heater body 101 are approximately parallel to the horizontal plane.
[0066] The user removes the cooking utensil 60, top ring 80, and protective cover 90. The user rotates the heater 100 counterclockwise in Figure 2 to move it to the retracted position. The heater 100, heater holder 110, limiting part 120, fixing member 130, and holder holding member 140 rotate about the central axis of the shaft 170.
[0067] As shown in Figure 10, when a portion of the second part 142 contacts the contact portion 183 of the stopper 180, the heater 100 stops in the retracted position. The central axis O of the heater 100 shown in Figure 10 is approximately parallel to the vertical direction. The heater body 101 in the retracted position is not located directly above the drain pan 40 or the reflector member 50. Therefore, the heater body 101 does not get in the way when removing these parts from the cooking appliance 1000 for cleaning.
[0068] When the user reverses the rotation of heater 100, heater 100 returns from the retracted position to the operational position.
[0069] The retraction position is not limited to a position where the central axis O of the heater 100 is approximately parallel to the vertical direction. The retraction position is any position where the heater body 101 does not interfere with the parts when removing the parts of the cooking appliance 1000. When the angle of the heater body 101 in the operating position is taken as 0 degrees, the angle of the heater body 101 in the retraction position may be, for example, 70 degrees to 120 degrees, or especially 90 degrees, but is not limited to these.
[0070] <4. Procedure for reversing the heater> Next, the procedure for inverting the heater 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 11A to 11G.
[0071] The heater 100 shown in Figure 11A is in the retracted position. When the second heater casing 103 is housed in the second housing 113, the heater 100 cannot rotate about the central axis O and therefore cannot be reversed. Figure 11B is a view of Figure 11A with the heater holder 110 removed. As shown in Figure 11B, the limiting portion 120 is located near the front end of the axial groove 102b. As shown in Figure 8B, the ball 123 is fitted into the recess 102d.
[0072] As shown in Figure 11C, the user moves the heater 100 along the central axis O, completely detaching the second heater casing 103 from the second housing 113. As the heater 100 moves, the first attitude maintenance unit 103f also completely detaches from the second attitude maintenance unit 113e. When the stop unit 104 contacts the first housing 111, the heater 100 stops. The first heater casing 102 remains partially housed in the first housing 111. Figure 11D is a view of Figure 11C with the heater holder 110 removed. When the stop unit 104 contacts the first housing 111, as shown in Figure 11D, the limiting unit 120 is located precisely at the intersection of the circumferential groove 102a and the axial groove 102b.
[0073] The user rotates the heater 100 around the central axis O. In Figure 11D, the direction of rotation of the heater 100 is indicated by the arrow R. As the heater 100 rotates, the limiting portion 120 passes through the circumferential groove 102a and reaches the intersection of the circumferential groove 102a and the axial groove 102c, as shown in Figure 11E. The heater 100 stops when the end wall of the circumferential groove 102a (this wall is also the wall of the axial groove 102c) hits the limiting portion 120. In this way, the heater 100 can be reversed by rotating it approximately 180 degrees around the central axis O. Therefore, the orientation of the first surface 101a and the second surface 101b of the heater body 101 shown in Figure 11E is the opposite of their orientation shown in Figure 11A.
[0074] As shown in Figure 11F, the user pushes the heater 100 toward the heater holder 110, partially housing the second heater casing 103 within the second housing 113. The first attitude maintenance unit 103f enters the second attitude maintenance unit 113e. Figure 11G is a view of Figure 11F with the heater holder 110 removed. As shown in Figure 11G, the limiting unit 120 is located near the front end of the axial groove 102c. When the recess 102e (see Figure 11E) reaches the position of the ball 123, the restoring force of the elastic member 122 pushes the ball 123 into the recess 102e, causing it to fit into the recess 102e. This positions the heater 100 in that position.
[0075] When the user rotates the heater 100 from the retracted position to the operating position, the second surface 101b of the heater body 101 faces upward. The procedure for inverting the heater 100 from the state where the second surface 101b faces upward to the state where the first surface 101a faces upward can be performed using the same procedure as described above.
[0076] Furthermore, the heater 100 can be reversed even when it is positioned other than the retracted position, provided there is enough space to pull the second heater casing 103 out of the second housing 113 and enough space to rotate the heater 100 approximately 180 degrees around the central axis O.
[0077] <5. Effects> As shown in Figure 10, because the heater 100 is movable to a retracted position, components located below the heater body 101 (for example, the drain pan 40) can be easily removed from the cooking appliance 1000 without having to remove the heater 100 from the cooking appliance 1000.
[0078] As shown in Figures 11A to 11G, the heater 100 can be reversed by rotating it approximately 180 degrees around the central axis O.
[0079] As shown in Figures 11A to 11G, the heater 100 is reversible, allowing the heater body 101 to switch between a state where the first surface 101a faces upward and a state where the second surface 101b faces upward. The working surface of the heater body 101 (the surface that faces upward when in use) is prone to corrosion due to the accumulation of dirt such as sauces and oils from food. By reversing the heater 100 and switching the working surface of the heater body 101, both the first surface 101a and the second surface 101b can be used, equalizing the degree of corrosion on both surfaces and extending the lifespan of the heater 100.
[0080] If heater 100 is a heater other than a cartridge type, lead wire 4000 is connected to heater 100. Removing lead wire 4000 from heater 100 is time-consuming. Therefore, by rotating heater 100 approximately 180 degrees around its central axis O, heater 100 can be reversed without removing lead wire 4000 from it.
[0081] Because of the limiting mechanism, the heater 100 does not rotate multiple times around its central axis O. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lead wire 4000 from twisting excessively.
[0082] As shown in Figures 11D and 11E, the circumferential groove 102a is provided over approximately 180 degrees in the circumferential direction around the central axis O. When the heater 100 is rotated around the central axis O, if the wall surface at one end or the other end of the circumferential groove 102a in the longitudinal direction comes into contact with the limiting portion 120, the heater 100 cannot rotate any further and stops. Therefore, the heater 100 can only rotate within a range of approximately 180 degrees around the central axis O. This makes it possible to reverse the heater 100 precisely and prevents the lead wire 4000 from twisting more than necessary.
[0083] As shown in Figures 11B, 11D, and 11G, the placement of the limiting portion 120 within the axial grooves 102b and 102c allows the heater 100 to move straight along the axial grooves 102b and 102c. Furthermore, the placement of the limiting portion 120 within the circumferential groove 102a allows the heater 100 to rotate along the circumferential groove 102a.
[0084] By providing axial grooves 102b and 102c, the rotation of the heater 100 around the central axis O can be restricted when the limiting portion 120 is positioned within the axial grooves 102b and 102c.
[0085] Since both ends of the circumferential groove 102a are terminated by two axial grooves 102b and 102c, when the heater 100 is rotated around the central axis O, the limiting portion 120 that has passed through the circumferential groove 102a reaches the intersection of one of the two axial grooves 102b and 102c with the circumferential groove 102a. This ensures that when the heater 100 is moved along the central axis O, the limiting portion 120 can be reliably guided into either the axial groove 102b or the axial groove 102c.
[0086] As shown in Figures 11C and 11D, when the limiting portion 120 reaches the intersection of one of the two axial grooves 102b, 102c and the circumferential groove 102a, the stopping portion 104 contacts the first housing portion 111, and the heater 100 can be stopped at that position. This ensures that the limiting portion 120 enters the circumferential groove 102a when the heater 100 is rotated around the central axis O.
[0087] As shown in Figure 8C, since both ends of the circumferential groove 102a terminate on substantially the same plane as plane P, the distance from the first surface 101a to the cooking utensil 60 when the first surface 101a of the heater body 101 is facing upwards is equal to the distance from the second surface 101b to the cooking utensil 60 when the second surface 101b is facing upwards. Therefore, the same heat output can be supplied even when the heater 100 is inverted.
[0088] As shown in Figure 8A, by providing the first attitude maintenance part 103f and the second attitude maintenance part 113e, rattling and tilting of the heater 100 can be prevented, and the heater 100 can be maintained in the correct position at the point of use. In particular, if the second heater casing 103 and the second housing part 113 are made of sheet metal parts, the dimensional accuracy of the second heater casing 103 and the second housing part 113 may be poor. As a result, when the second heater casing 103 is housed in the second housing part 113, the heater 100 may rattle or tilt. Therefore, by providing the first attitude maintenance part 103f and the second attitude maintenance part 113e, the heater 100 can be maintained in the correct position even if the second heater casing 103 and the second housing part 113 are made of sheet metal parts.
[0089] As shown in Figure 9A, the curved outer contour of the projection (first attitude maintenance part 103f) prevents the projection from catching on the front edge 113f when it enters the notch (second attitude maintenance part 113e). This allows the projection to enter the notch smoothly.
[0090] As shown in Figure 9A, the rounded edge 113i is provided at the intersection of the front edge 113f and the edge portion 113g, which prevents the projection (first attitude maintenance portion 103f) from catching on the front edge 113f when it enters the notch. This allows the projection to enter the notch smoothly.
[0091] Since the limiting portion 120 is made of a separate component from the heater holder 110, if the limiting portion 120 is damaged, only the limiting portion 120 needs to be replaced, thus reducing the cost of parts replacement.
[0092] <6. Variation> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Modifications of the present invention are described below. The modifications described below can be applied to the above embodiments individually or in appropriate combinations without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0093] (6-1) The cooking appliance 1000 may be a so-called top-draw type cooking appliance that sucks up smoke with an exhaust hood positioned above the cooking appliance 1000.
[0094] (6-2) The first housing portion 111 may include a circumferential groove 102a and two axial grooves 102b, 102c on its inner surface, and the first heater casing 102 may include a limiting portion 120 on its outer surface.
[0095] (6-3) The stopping portion 104 is not limited to the annular portion. The stopping portion 104 only needs to be able to contact the first housing portion 111 and stop the heater 100, and may be, for example, a projection that protrudes radially outward from the first heater casing 102.
[0096] (6-4) The first attitude maintenance unit 103f may be provided on the lower plate 103a and the upper plate 103b in place of or in addition to the two side plates 103e. The position and number of the second attitude maintenance unit 113e should be designed in accordance with the position and number of the first attitude maintenance unit 103f.
[0097] (6-5) The limiting portion 120 is not limited to a ball plunger. The limiting portion 120 may be a rod. If the limiting portion 120 is a rod, the circumferential groove 102a and the axial grooves 102b, 102c may be slits. Also, if the limiting portion 120 is a rod, the limiting portion 120 and the fixing member 130 may be made as a single, inseparable part.
[0098] (6-6) The circumferential groove 102a may extend in the circumferential direction around the central axis O over a range of approximately 180 degrees and less than approximately 360 degrees. If the circumferential groove 102a extends only within a range of less than approximately 360 degrees, the heater 100 will not make any rotations around the central axis O, thus preventing the lead wire 4000 from twisting more than necessary.
[0099] (6-7) As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the circumferential groove 102a may be a helical groove. The helical groove is centered on the central axis O and extends at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees relative to the central axis O. The axial grooves 102b and 102c are connected only to the first helical circumferential groove 102a and not to the second helical circumferential groove 102a. Furthermore, if the number of turns of the helical groove is increased, the heater 100 will be able to rotate many times around the central axis O, which may cause the lead wire 4000 to twist more than necessary. For this reason, the number of turns of the helical groove is set so that the degree of twisting of the lead wire 4000 is within an acceptable range. In one embodiment, the number of turns of the helical groove may be approximately one turn or less (i.e., the helical groove may extend over a range of approximately 360 degrees or less around the central axis O), or it may be approximately half a turn (i.e., the helical groove may extend over a range of approximately 180 degrees around the central axis O).
[0100] <7. Addendum> (Section 1) The heater includes an electric heater body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, The heater is rotatable between an operating position and a retracted position in which the heater body is located above the operating position, and The heater is reversible by rotation around its central axis. Heating cooker.
[0101] (Section 2) It also has a heater holder, The heater comprises a cylindrical first heater casing, The heater holder includes a cylindrical first housing portion that houses at least a part of the first heater casing. A cooking appliance as described in item 1.
[0102] (Section 3) The aforementioned heating appliance includes a limiting mechanism that restricts the rotation range of the heater about the central axis to a predetermined range or less. The aforementioned limiting mechanism is A circumferential groove, which is included in either the first heater casing or the first housing and has end portions at both ends, A limiting portion included in the first heater casing or the other of the first housing, at least a portion of which is disposed within the circumferential groove, A cooking appliance as described in item 2, including the one described in item 2.
[0103] A "circumferential groove with terminals at both ends" refers to a groove in which the starting point of the circumferential groove is not connected to the ending point of the circumferential groove.
[0104] (Section 4) The limiting mechanism prevents the heater from rotating more than approximately 180 degrees around the central axis. A cooking appliance as described in item 3.
[0105] (Section 5) The circumferential groove extends approximately 180 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis. When the heater is rotated about the central axis, the limiting portion comes into contact with the wall surface at one end or the other end of the circumferential groove in the longitudinal direction, thereby preventing further rotation of the heater. A cooking appliance as described in item 4.
[0106] (Section 6) A locking mechanism is provided at one end and the other end of the circumferential groove in the longitudinal direction, respectively, to restrict the rotation of the heater about the central axis. A cooking appliance as described in item 5.
[0107] (Section 7) The first heater casing or the first housing, which includes the circumferential groove, includes two axial grooves as the locking portion. The two axial grooves extend along the central axis and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis. Both ends of the circumferential groove are connected to the two axial grooves, When the restricting portion is located within the axial groove, the rotation of the heater about the central axis is restricted. A cooking appliance as described in item 6.
[0108] (Section 8) The heater comprises a second heater casing having a first attitude maintenance unit, The heater holder comprises a second housing portion that houses at least a portion of the second heater casing, and the second housing portion has a second attitude-maintaining portion that can engage with the first attitude-maintaining portion. A cooking appliance as described in item 2.
[0109] (Section 9) The first posture maintenance part is a projection, The second posture maintenance unit is a notch that receives the first posture maintenance unit. A cooking appliance as described in item 8. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0110] 1000 heating cooker 100 Heater 101 Heater body 101a 1st page 101b 2nd page 102 First heater casing 102a Circumferential groove (part of the limiting mechanism) 102b Axial groove (part of the limiting mechanism, part of the locking mechanism) 102c Axial groove (part of the limiting mechanism, part of the locking mechanism) 103 Second heater casing 103f 1st posture maintenance part 110 Heater Holder 111 First Detention Unit 113 Second Detention Unit 113e 2nd posture maintenance part 120 Restriction section (part of the restriction mechanism) O Heater's central axis
Claims
1. The heater includes an electric heater body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, The heater is rotatable between an operating position and a retracted position in which the heater body is located above the operating position, and The heater is reversible by rotation around its central axis. Heating cooker.
2. It also has a heater holder, The heater comprises a cylindrical first heater casing, The heater holder includes a cylindrical first housing portion that houses at least a part of the first heater casing. A heating appliance according to claim 1.
3. The aforementioned heating appliance includes a limiting mechanism that restricts the rotation range of the heater about the central axis to a predetermined range or less. The aforementioned limiting mechanism is A circumferential groove, which is included in either the first heater casing or the first housing and has end portions at both ends, A limiting portion included in the first heater casing or the other of the first housing, at least a portion of which is disposed within the circumferential groove, A cooking appliance according to claim 2, including the following:
4. The limiting mechanism prevents the heater from rotating more than approximately 180 degrees around the central axis. A cooking appliance according to claim 3.
5. The circumferential groove extends approximately 180 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis. When the heater is rotated about the central axis, the limiting portion comes into contact with the wall surface at one end or the other end of the circumferential groove in the longitudinal direction, thereby preventing further rotation of the heater. A cooking appliance according to claim 4.
6. A locking mechanism is provided at one end and the other end of the circumferential groove in the longitudinal direction, respectively, to restrict the rotation of the heater about the central axis. A cooking appliance according to claim 5.
7. The first heater casing or the first housing, which includes the circumferential groove, includes two axial grooves as the locking portion. The two axial grooves extend along the central axis and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis. Both ends of the aforementioned circumferential groove are connected to the two aforementioned axial grooves. When the restricting portion is located within the axial groove, the rotation of the heater about the central axis is restricted. A cooking appliance according to claim 6.
8. The heater comprises a second heater casing having a first attitude maintenance unit, The heater holder comprises a second housing portion that houses at least a portion of the second heater casing, and the second housing portion has a second attitude-maintaining portion that can engage with the first attitude-maintaining portion. A heating appliance according to claim 2.
9. The first posture maintenance part is a projection, The second posture maintenance unit is a notch that receives the first posture maintenance unit. A heating appliance according to claim 8.