Heaters and cooking appliances

Abstract

To provide a heater for cooking appliances that can heat cooking utensils evenly. [Solution] The heater 90 comprises an electric heater body 91 and a heater casing 92. The heater body 91 comprises two end portions 912a, 912b, two outer circumferential portions 913a, 913b, two inner circumferential portions 914a, 914b, and two semicircular first connecting portions 915a, 915b. The first connecting portion 915a is integrally connected to the outer circumferential portion 913a and the inner circumferential portion 914a. The first connecting portion 915b is integrally connected to the outer circumferential portion 913b and the inner circumferential portion 914b. The heater casing 92 covers the two end portions 912a, 912b.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater for a cooking appliance. Further, the present invention relates to a cooking appliance.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a heater for an electric cooking appliance, an electric heater produced by bending a sheathed heater into a spiral shape is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As an electric heater, there is a demand for a heater that can uniformly heat cooking utensils such as a net over a wide range. In this regard, the electric heater disclosed in Patent Document 1 has room for further improvement.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a heater for a cooking appliance that can uniformly heat a cooking utensil. Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance provided with the heater.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is a heater for a cooking appliance, comprising an electric heater body, a heater casing, and the heater body includes two extension parts, each of the two extension parts having a first end part and a second end part opposite to the first end part, Two terminal portions provided at the first end of each of the two extensions, Two outer periphery portions, each of which has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end of one outer periphery portion is integrally connected to the second end of one extension portion, and the first end of the other outer periphery portion is integrally connected to the second end of the other extension portion, Two inner circumferential portions, each of which has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, Two substantially semicircular first connecting portions, one of which is integrally connected to the second end of the outer circumference of one of the first connecting portions and the second end of the inner circumference of one of the first connecting portions, and the other first connecting portion is integrally connected to the second end of the outer circumference of the other and the second end of the inner circumference of the other, Includes, The heater casing covers at least the two end portions. heater To provide. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a heater that can uniformly heat cooking utensils. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [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 disassembled perspective view of the cooking appliance and ductwork. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the assembled heating appliance and ductwork. However, the cooking utensils are omitted. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the inner casing from a different angle than Figure 3. [Figure 6A]It is a perspective view of the heater. [Figure 6B] It is a side view of the heater. [Figure 6C] It is a sectional view taken along the VIC-VIC line of FIG. 6A and a partial enlarged view thereof. [Figure 6D] It is a perspective view of the heater with the upper part of the heater casing omitted from FIG. 6A. [Figure 6E] It is a plan view of the heater. However, the upper part of the heater casing is omitted. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of the reflector member and the heater showing the positional relationship between the reflector member and the heater body. [Figure 8A] It is a perspective view of the connector. [Figure 8B] It is a perspective view of the connector seen from an angle different from FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] It is a sectional view taken along the VIIIC-VIIIC line of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8D] It is a sectional view taken along the VIIID-VIIID line of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8E] It is a sectional view taken along the VIIIE-VIIIE line of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] It is a rear view of the heater and the connector with the heater attached to the connector. [Figure 10] It is an enlarged view of the X part of FIG. 2. [Figure 11] It is a sectional view of the cooking heater and the duct according to the modification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The present invention will be described while referring to the drawings.

[0010] <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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The heating appliance 1000 mainly comprises an outer casing 10, a filter 20, a casing cover 30, an inner casing 40, a reflective member 50, a cooking utensil 60, a support ring 70, a top ring 80, a heater 90, a heater cover 100, a connector 110, a cooling device 120, and a guide tube 130.

[0013] 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.

[0014] <2-1. Outer casing, filter, and casing cover> As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the outer casing 10 comprises a bottom wall 11, a peripheral wall 12, an upper wall 13, and a rising portion 14.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the bottom wall 11 has a horizontally elongated shape. An inner casing 40 is placed on the bottom wall 11. The bottom wall 11 has an exhaust port 11a that penetrates the bottom wall 11 at a position laterally offset from the position where the inner casing 40 is placed. A filter 20 is positioned next to the inner casing 40 so as to cover the exhaust port 11a. The filter 20 filters out oil contained in the smoke. A duct 2000 may be positioned below the filter 20. The inside of the duct 2000 is in communication with the exhaust port 11a. An exhaust device 3000, such as a fan, may be connected to the duct 2000.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the peripheral wall 12 rises from the bottom wall 11. The peripheral wall 12 has a first opening 12a. The first opening 12a is located on the side opposite to the exhaust port 11a and filter 20 relative to the heater body 91, which will be described later.

[0017] The casing cover 30 is attached to the peripheral wall 12. The casing cover 30 covers the heater casing 92, which will be described later (see Figure 10). The casing cover 30 comprises a bottom plate 31, an top plate 32, two side plates 33, and two flange portions 34. The casing cover 30 may have a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped internal space defined by the bottom plate 31, the top plate 32, and the two side plates 33. The bottom plate 31, the top plate 32, and the two side plates 33 extend from the inside of the outer casing 10 through the first opening 12a to the outside of the outer casing 10. The bottom plate 31 has a ventilation opening 31a (see Figure 10) that penetrates the bottom plate 31 at a location outside the outer casing 10. The two flange portions 34 are located outside the outer casing 10. Each flange portion 34 is coupled to each side plate 33.

[0018] The upper wall 13 has a circular inlet opening 13a for inserting the inner casing 40 into the outer casing 10. The rising portion 14 extends upward from the periphery of the inlet opening 13a.

[0019] <2-2. Inner Casing> As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the inner casing 40 comprises a bottom wall 41, a first circumferential wall 42, a flange portion 43, a second circumferential wall 44, and a plurality of support portions 45. The inner casing 40 is positioned inside the outer casing 10 such that a gap exists between the outer surface of the first circumferential wall 42 and the inner surface of the circumferential wall 12 of the outer casing 10. Water is placed inside the inner casing 40 while the cooking appliance 1000 is in use.

[0020] The bottom wall 41 is approximately circular. The first circumferential wall 42 is approximately cylindrical. The first circumferential wall 42 rises from the bottom wall 41. The first circumferential wall 42 has a second opening 42a (see Figures 3 and 5) for passing the heater casing 92 through. The second opening 42a is located on the side of the heater body 91 opposite the exhaust port 11a and the filter 20. The second opening 42a communicates with the first opening 12a. The flange portion 43 is approximately annular. The flange portion 43 extends radially outward from the upper end of the first circumferential wall 42. The second circumferential wall 44 is approximately cylindrical. The second circumferential wall 44 extends upward from the radially outer end of the flange portion 43.

[0021] Each of the multiple support sections 45 supports a reflective member 50. Some of the multiple support sections 45 also support the heater body 91. The multiple support sections 45 include multiple proximal support sections 451 (two in this embodiment) and multiple distal support sections 452 (two in this embodiment). The two proximal support sections 451 are positioned close to the second opening 42a (i.e., close to the heater casing 92). The two distal support sections 452 are positioned further from the second opening 42a than the two proximal support sections 451 (i.e., further from the heater casing 92). The two proximal support sections 451 and the two distal support sections 452 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first circumferential wall 42 and are coupled to the first circumferential wall 42. The two proximal support sections 451 have a step 451a. Furthermore, the two distal support portions 452 have notches 452a. A portion of the reflective member 50 is positioned on the step 451a of the two proximal support portions 451 and within the notches 452a of the two distal support portions 452.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the upper ends of the two distal support parts 452 are located above the upper ends of the two proximal support parts 451. The tip portion of the heater body 91 rests on the upper ends of the two distal support parts 452. In this way, the two distal support parts 452 support not only the reflective member 50 but also the heater body 91. By supporting the heater body 91 with the two distal support parts 452, deflection of the heater body 91 can be prevented.

[0023] <2-3. Reflective Material> The reflective member 50 reflects the heat radiated from the heater body 91 to the reflective member 50 toward the cooking appliance 60. The reflective member 50 is made of, for example, a metal plate. As shown in Figure 2, the reflective member 50 is positioned inside the inner casing 40, suspended from the bottom wall 41 by the support portion 45 of the inner casing 40.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the reflective member 50 has a circular opening 50a in the center. The reflective member 50 has a central axis that extends vertically through the center of the opening 50a. The reflective member 50 comprises a first inclined surface 51 and a second inclined surface 52. The first inclined surface 51 is inclined diagonally downward toward the central axis. The first inclined surface 51 has a lateral shape of an inverted frustocone. The second inclined surface 52 is inclined diagonally downward from the upper end of the first inclined surface 51 in a direction away from the central axis. The second inclined surface 52 has a lateral shape of a frustocone. Dirt such as oil that falls from food onto the first inclined surface 51 or the second inclined surface 52 falls into the inner casing 40 via the first inclined surface 51 or the second inclined surface 52. A peak 53 is provided between the first inclined surface 51 and the second inclined surface 52 in the radial direction of the reflective member 50.

[0025] <2-4. 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 43 of the inner casing 40. 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.

[0026] <2-5. Support Ring and Top Ring> As shown in Figure 2, the support ring 70 is placed on the top plate T1. The top ring 80 is placed on the support ring 70. The top ring 80 has a plurality of suction ports 80a. The plurality of suction ports 80a are located above the cooking appliance 60. When the exhaust device 3000 is in operation, smoke rising from the food is drawn in through the suction ports 80a. The smoke drawn in through the suction ports 80a passes through the gap between the inner surface of the peripheral wall 12 of the outer casing 10 and the outer surface of the first peripheral wall 42 of the inner casing 40 and flows laterally (horizontally) toward the filter 20. The smoke that reaches the filter 20 is filtered by the filter 20 and then flows downward through the duct 2000 and is exhausted.

[0027] <2-6. Heater> The heater 90 radiates heat to heat the cooking appliance 60 and the food on the cooking appliance 60. The heater 90 is detachably attached to the connector 110.

[0028] As shown in Figures 6A to 6E, the heater 90 mainly comprises a heater body 91, a heater casing 92, a fire-resistant member 93 (see Figures 6D and 6E), an insulating member 94 (see Figures 6D and 6E), two heater terminals 95a and 95b, and a heater grounding terminal 96.

[0029] The heater body 91 is electrically heated. The heater body 91 may be made by bending a linear sheath heater. The heater body 91 may also be flattened. The shape of the heater body 91 in plan view may be substantially the same as the shape of the heater body 91 in bottom view.

[0030] The heater body 91 has a first surface 91a, a second surface 91b opposite to the first surface 91a, and a side surface 91c connecting the first surface 91a and the second surface 91b. As shown in Figure 6C, the first surface 91a and the second surface 91b are planes that are substantially parallel to each other. The side surface 91c is curved in a convex shape.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the heater body 91 is positioned directly above the reflector 50 and directly below the cooking appliance 60. During use of the heating appliance 1000, the heater 90 is positioned such that the first surface 91a and the second surface 91b are approximately parallel to the horizontal. The heater 90 can be used with the first surface 91a facing upwards (the first surface 91a facing the cooking appliance 60) or with the second surface 91b facing upwards (the second surface 91b facing the cooking appliance 60). By removing the heater 90 from the connector 110 and inverting it, the positions of the first surface 91a facing upwards and the second surface 91b facing upwards can be switched. When the first surface 91a is facing upwards, the distance between the first surface 91a and the cooking appliance 60 is approximately the same as the distance between the second surface 91b and the cooking appliance 60 when the second surface 91b is facing upwards.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6D and 6E, the heater body 91 comprises two extensions 911a, 911b, two end portions 912a, 912b, two outer periphery portions 913a, 913b, two inner periphery portions 914a, 914b, two first connecting portions 915a, 915b, a central portion 916, and two second connecting portions 917a, 917b. The two extensions 911a, 911b, the two end portions 912a, 912b, the two outer periphery portions 913a, 913b, the two inner periphery portions 914a, 914b, the two first connecting portions 915a, 915b, the central portion 916, and the two second connecting portions 917a, 917b are located on substantially the same plane.

[0033] The two extensions 911a and 911b extend in a straight line parallel to each other. Each extension 911a and 911b has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. Note that the two extensions 911a and 911b do not have to be parallel to each other. Also, the two extensions 911a and 911b are not limited to being straight and may be curved.

[0034] The terminal portion 912a is provided at the first end of the extension portion 911a. The terminal portion 912a is electrically connected to the coupling portion 95a1 of the heater terminal 95a, which will be described later, via a lead wire 97a. The terminal portion 912b is provided at the first end of the extension portion 911b. The terminal portion 912b is electrically connected to the coupling portion 95b1 of the heater terminal 95b, which will be described later, via a lead wire 97b.

[0035] The two outer periphery sections 913a and 913b are curved away from each other. Outer periphery section 913a is positioned symmetrically with respect to outer periphery section 913b. Each outer periphery section 913a and 913b has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of outer periphery section 913a is integrally connected to the second end of extension section 911a. The first end of outer periphery section 913b is integrally connected to the second end of extension section 911b.

[0036] The inner circumference 914a is positioned radially inward from the outer circumference 913a. The inner circumference 914a is adjacent to the outer circumference 913a, but spaced apart from it. Similarly, the inner circumference 914b is positioned radially inward from the outer circumference 913b. The inner circumference 914b is adjacent to the outer circumference 913b, but spaced apart from it. The two inner circumferences 914a and 914b are curved away from each other. The inner circumference 914a is positioned symmetrically with respect to the inner circumference 914b. Each inner circumference 914a and 914b has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end.

[0037] Each of the first connecting parts 915a and 915b has a substantially semicircular shape. The first connecting part 915a is arranged symmetrically with respect to the first connecting part 915b. The first connecting part 915a connects the second end of the outer circumference part 913a to the second end of the inner circumference part 914a. The first connecting part 915a is integrally connected to the second end of the outer circumference part 913a and the second end of the inner circumference part 914a. Similarly, the first connecting part 915b connects the second end of the outer circumference part 913b to the second end of the inner circumference part 914b. The first connecting part 915b is integrally connected to the second end of the outer circumference part 913b and the second end of the inner circumference part 914b.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6E, the distance between the second end of the outer circumference 913a and the second end of the inner circumference 914a (i.e., the inner diameter of the first connecting portion 915a) is D1. Similarly, the distance between the second end of the outer circumference 913b and the second end of the inner circumference 914b (i.e., the inner diameter of the first connecting portion 915b) is also D1.

[0039] The distance between the outer circumference 913a and the inner circumference 914a gradually decreases as you move away from the first connecting portion 915a. The distance D1 between the second end of the outer circumference 913a and the second end of the inner circumference 914a is greater than the distance D2 between the first end of the inner circumference 914a and the adjacent portion of the outer circumference 913a. Similarly, the distance between the outer circumference 913b and the inner circumference 914b gradually decreases as you move away from the first connecting portion 915b. The distance D1 between the second end of the outer circumference 913b and the second end of the inner circumference 914b is greater than the distance D2 between the first end of the inner circumference 914b and the adjacent portion of the outer circumference 913b.

[0040] The central portion 916 is positioned radially inward from the two inner circumferential portions 914a and 914b. The central portion 916 is adjacent to the two inner circumferential portions 914a and 914b, but is spaced apart from them. In plan view, the central portion 916 has a curved C-shape. The central portion 916 has a first end and a second end. The inner diameter of the central portion 916 is D3. The distance between the first end and the second end of the central portion 916 is D4. The inner diameter D3 is greater than the distance D4.

[0041] Each of the second connecting parts 917a and 917b has a substantially semicircular shape. The second connecting part 917a is arranged symmetrically with respect to the second connecting part 917b. The second connecting part 917a connects the first end of the inner circumference part 914a to the first end of the central part 916. The second connecting part 917a is integrally connected to the first end of the inner circumference part 914a and the first end of the central part 916. Similarly, the second connecting part 917b connects the first end of the inner circumference part 914b to the second end of the central part 916. The second connecting part 917b is integrally connected to the first end of the inner circumference part 914b and the second end of the central part 916.

[0042] The distance between the inner circumference 914a and the adjacent portion of the central portion 916 gradually decreases as you move away from the second connecting portion 917a. The distance D5 between the first end of the inner circumference 914a and the first end of the central portion 916 (i.e., the inner diameter of the second connecting portion 917a) is greater than the distance D6 between the second end of the inner circumference 914a and the adjacent portion of the central portion 916. Similarly, the distance between the inner circumference 914b and the adjacent portion of the central portion 916 gradually decreases as you move away from the second connecting portion 917b. The distance D5 between the first end of the inner circumference 914b and the second end of the central portion 916 (i.e., the inner diameter of the second connecting portion 917b) is greater than the distance D6 between the second end of the inner circumference 914b and the adjacent portion of the central portion 916.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, in a plan view, the peaks 53 of the reflective member 50 are located between the outer circumference 913a and the inner circumference 914a, and between the outer circumference 913b and the inner circumference 914b. In other words, the outer circumferences 913a and 913b are positioned directly above the second inclined surface 52, and the inner circumferences 914a and 914b are positioned directly above the first inclined surface 51. This allows the reflective member 50 to effectively reflect heat from the heater body 91.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6D and 6E, the heater casing 92 covers portions of the two extensions 911a, 911b, the two terminations 912a, 912b, portions of the two heater terminals 95a, 95b, portions of the heater ground terminal 96, and the two lead wires 97a, 97b. The connection between the two terminations 912a, 912b and the two heater terminals 95a, 95b is located inside the heater casing 92 and is covered by the heater casing 92.

[0045] In the following, "front" means a direction or position relatively closer to the heater body 91, and "rear" means a direction or position relatively farther away from the heater body 91.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6A, the heater casing 92 may be rectangular in shape. The heater casing 92 comprises a bottom plate 921, an top plate 922, a front plate 923, a rear plate 924, and two side plates 925. The heater casing 92 further includes two terminal protection parts 926a and 926b provided on each of the two side plates 925. Each terminal protection part 926a and 926b prevents impact from being applied to the heater terminals 95a and 95b and the heater ground terminal 96, thereby preventing them from being damaged. Specifically, for example, if the heater 90 is dropped, the terminal protection parts 926a and 926b will hit the ground before the heater terminals 95a and 95b and the heater ground terminal 96, thereby preventing the heater terminals 95a and 95b and the heater ground terminal 96 from colliding with the ground. In this way, the terminal protection parts 926a and 926b prevent damage to the heater terminals 95a and 95b and the heater ground terminal 96. The heater terminals 95a and 95b and the heater ground terminal 96 are positioned between the terminal protection part 926a and the terminal protection part 926b. The terminal protection parts 926a and 926b extend behind the heater terminals 95a and 95b and the heater ground terminal 96. Furthermore, the upper ends of each terminal protection portion 926a, 926b are located above the upper ends of the heater terminals 95a, 95b and the heater ground terminal 96, and the lower ends of each terminal protection portion 926a, 926b are located below the lower ends of the heater terminals 95a, 95b and the heater ground terminal 96. Each terminal protection portion 926a, 926b may be in the shape of a plate. Each terminal protection portion 926a, 926b may be detachable from each side plate 925, or it may be an integral and inseparable part of each side plate 925.

[0047] The heater casing 92 may be made of a metal material. If the heater casing 92 is attached to the connector 110 by magnetic force, at least the rear plate 924 of the heater casing 92 is made of a material that can adhere to a permanent magnet by magnetic force, such as ferritic stainless steel, or includes a portion made of such a material. The entire heater casing 92 may be made of a material that can adhere to a permanent magnet by magnetic force.

[0048] The heater casing 92 is located on the opposite side of the heater body 91 from the exhaust port 11a and the filter 20, and is inside the casing cover 30. As shown in Figure 10, the heater casing 92 is positioned with a gap between it and the casing cover 30. Specifically, there are gaps between the lower plate 921 of the heater casing 92 and the lower plate 31 of the casing cover 30, between the upper plate 922 of the heater casing 92 and the upper plate 32 of the casing cover 30, and between the two side plates 925 of the heater casing 92 and the two side plates 33 of the casing cover 30. In addition, the rear of the lower plate 921 is positioned directly above the ventilation port 31a of the lower plate 31.

[0049] As shown in Figures 6D and 6E, the fire-resistant member 93 prevents oil and other contaminants from entering the heater casing 92. This prevents ignition and also prevents deterioration of components inside the heater casing 92, such as the end portions 912a, 912b and heater terminals 95a, 95b. As shown in Figures 6D and 6E, the fire-resistant member 93 is positioned inside the heater casing 92 and in contact with the front plate 923. The fire-resistant member 93 may be made of pulp-mixed gypsum.

[0050] The insulating member 94 is located inside the heater casing 92 and at the rear of the heater casing 92. The two heater terminals 95a and 95b and the heater ground terminal 96 extend from inside the heater casing 92, through the insulating member 94, to the outside of the heater casing 92. The insulating member 94 is made of, for example, aluminum oxide. Aluminum oxide is more durable than porcelain. Therefore, even if the insulating member 94 is subjected to an impact, it will not crack like porcelain.

[0051] The heater terminal 95a includes a coupling portion 95a1 and a contact portion 95a2. The coupling portion 95a1 is the portion located inside the heater casing 92 to which the lead wire 97a is coupled. The contact portion 95a2 is the portion that can contact the contact portion 113a2 of the connector terminal 113a, which will be described later (see Figure 8C). In this embodiment, the contact portion 95a2 is the tip of the portion of the heater terminal 95a that extends outward from the heater casing 92. Similarly, the heater terminal 95b includes a coupling portion 95b1 and a contact portion 95b2. The coupling portion 95b1 is the portion located inside the heater casing 92 to which the lead wire 97b is coupled. The contact portion 95b2 is the portion that can contact the contact portion 113b2 of the connector terminal 113b, which will be described later (see Figure 8D). In this embodiment, the contact portion 95b2 is the tip of the portion of the heater terminal 95b that extends outward from the heater casing 92.

[0052] When the contact portions 95a2 and 95b2 come into contact with the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2 of the connector terminals 113a and 113b, respectively, each heater terminal 95a and 95b is electrically coupled to the connector terminals 113a and 113b. When power is applied to the heater 90 while each heater terminal 95a and 95b is electrically coupled to the connector terminals 113a and 113b, current flows through the heater body 91, causing the heater body 91 to heat up. Here, the contact portions 95a2 and 95b2 come into contact with the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2 of the connector terminals 113a and 113b, and may melt due to the high temperature caused by the current. If the contact portions 95a2 and 95b2 melt, there is a risk of welding them to the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2. Therefore, it is preferable that at least the contact portions 95a2 and 95b2 are made of a material that can withstand high temperatures without melting. Examples of such materials include pure tungsten, tungsten alloys, or silver alloys. Specific examples of alloys include, but are not limited to, silver-tungsten or silver-tin oxide alloys. The material of each contact portion 95a2, 95b2 may differ from the material of the main body portion of the heater terminals 95a, 95b (the portion other than the contact portions 95a2, 95b2). Each contact portion 95a2, 95b2 may be made by applying the above-mentioned materials to the main body portion of the heater terminals 95a, 95b, for example, by coating (e.g., thermal spraying), cold welding, or brazing. The entire heater terminal 95a, 95b may also be made from the above-mentioned materials.

[0053] The heater grounding terminal 96 can be electrically connected to the connector grounding terminal 114, which will be described later. The heater grounding terminal 96 is fixed to the heater casing 92 by a metal fitting. Therefore, the heater grounding terminal 96 is electrically connected to the heater casing 92. Note that the heater grounding terminal 96 is provided as needed, and it is also possible to omit the heater grounding terminal 96.

[0054] <2-7. Heater Cover> The heater cover 100 prevents oil and other contaminants from entering the heater casing 92. The heater cover 100 is also positioned to ensure that the heater 90 is securely connected to the connector 110. The heater cover 100 may be a separate component from the heater 90. As shown in Figure 3, the heater cover 100 comprises an upper plate 101, a front plate 102, and two side plates 103. The upper plate 101 extends substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. The front plate 102 is substantially perpendicular to the upper plate 101 and extends downward from the upper plate 101. The front plate 102 has openings for passing two extensions 911a and 911b. The front plate 102 may be inclined backward. As shown in Figure 4, the heater cover 100 is attached to the heater 90 so as to close the second opening 42a of the inner casing 40.

[0055] <2-8. Connectors> The connector 110 is a component for attaching the heater 90 and electrically connecting the heater 90 to the power supply. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the connector 110 comprises a connector frame 111, an insulating member 112, two connector terminals 113a and 113b, a connector ground terminal 114, and two permanent magnets 115.

[0056] The connector frame 111 is attached to the flange portion 34 (see Figure 3) of the casing cover 30 and to the guide tube 130 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the connector frame 111 has two openings 111a on its front surface. The openings 111a are provided on both sides of the insulating member 112. The two permanent magnets 115 are attached to the connector frame 111 and are exposed through the openings 111a.

[0057] The insulating member 112 is attached to the connector frame 111. As shown in Figures 8C to 8E, the two connector terminals 113a and 113b and the connector ground terminal 114 pass through the insulating member 112.

[0058] The connector terminal 113a is electrically coupled to the power supply via lead wires and a switch. As shown in Figure 8C, the connector terminal 113a includes a coupling portion 113a1 and a contact portion 113a2. The coupling portion 113a1 is the portion of the connector terminal 113a that protrudes outward from the insulating member 112 and to which the lead wires are coupled. The contact portion 113a2 is the portion that can contact the contact portion 95a2 of the heater terminal 95a. In this embodiment, the contact portion 113a2 is the end opposite to the coupling portion 113a1. Similarly, the connector terminal 113b is electrically coupled to the power supply via lead wires and a switch. As shown in Figure 8D, the connector terminal 113b includes a coupling portion 113b1 and a contact portion 113b2. The coupling portion 113b1 is the portion of the connector terminal 113b that protrudes outward from the insulating member 112 and to which the lead wires are coupled. The contact portion 113b2 is the portion that can contact the contact portion 95b2 of the heater terminal 95b. In this embodiment, the contact portion 113b2 is the end opposite to the coupling portion 113b1.

[0059] To prevent the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2 from melting and welding to the contact portions 95a2 and 95b2 when current is applied, it is preferable that at least the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2 are made of a material that can withstand high temperatures without melting. Examples of such materials include pure tungsten, tungsten alloys, or silver alloys. Specific examples of alloys include silver-tungsten or silver-tin oxide alloys, but are not limited to these. The material of each contact portion 113a2 and 113b2 may differ from the material of the main body portion of the connector terminals 113a and 113b (the portion other than the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2). Each contact portion 113a2 and 113b2 may be made by coating (e.g., thermal spraying), cold welding, or brazing the material mentioned above onto the main body portion of the connector terminals 113a and 113b. The entire connector terminals 113a and 113b may also be made from the material mentioned above.

[0060] A wire is connected to the protruding portion of the connector grounding terminal 114 that penetrates the insulating member 112 and extends to the outside. This wire is electrically coupled to the ground wire. As shown in Figure 8E, the heater grounding terminal 96 can contact the end of the connector grounding terminal 114 opposite to the protruding portion. When the heater grounding terminal 96 contacts the connector grounding terminal 114, the heater grounding terminal 96 is electrically coupled to the connector grounding terminal 114. As already mentioned, the heater grounding terminal 96 is electrically coupled to the heater casing 92. Therefore, when the heater grounding terminal 96 is electrically coupled to the connector grounding terminal 114, the heater casing 92 is grounded. This prevents electric shock to the user when the user holds the heater casing 92 by hand to attach the heater 90 to the connector 110 and when the user removes it from the connector 110. Note that if the heater grounding terminal 96 is not provided, the connector grounding terminal 114 is unnecessary.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, when attaching the heater 90 to the connector 110, first, each terminal protection part 926a, 926b is inserted into the opening 111a. After inserting each terminal protection part 926a, 926b into the opening 111a, the rear plate 924 of the heater casing 92 is adhered to the permanent magnet 115 by magnetic force. By adhering the heater casing 92 with the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 115, the heater 90 can be detachably attached to the connector 110. However, as long as the heater casing 92 can be detachably attached to the connector 110, the adhesion between the heater casing 92 and the connector 110 is not limited to magnetic force.

[0062] <2-9. Cooling device and guide tube> The cooling device 120 cools the heater casing 92. The cooling device 120 is electrically coupled to the power supply via lead wires and a switch. The cooling device 120 may be an air-cooling device such as a fan. As shown in Figure 10, the airflow F from the fan is guided to the heater casing 92 by the guide tube 130. The guide tube 130 is located outside the outer casing 10 and below the casing cover 30. The guide tube 130 is mounted so that its upper end is in contact with the lower surface of the lower plate 31 of the casing cover 30. The guide tube 130 has an inlet 130a and an outlet 130b. The outlet 130b of the guide tube 130 communicates with the vent 31a of the lower plate 31. The fan is mounted near the inlet 130a of the guide tube 130.

[0063] The guide tube 130 may be rectangular or cylindrical. The opening area of ​​the outlet 130b may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide tube 130. The inner diameter of the guide tube 130 near the outlet 130b may be smaller than the inner diameter of the guide tube 130 near the inlet 130a. For example, the guide tube 130 comprises a first part 131 having an inlet 130a and a second part 132 having an outlet 130b, where the inner diameter of the first part 131 is substantially constant along the central axis of the first part 131, and the inner diameter of the second part 132 may gradually decrease towards the outlet 130b (heater casing 92). The entire guide tube 130 may be configured such that its inner diameter gradually decreases towards the outlet 130b, as in the second part 132.

[0064] The switch for the cooling device 120 may be shared with the switch for the heater 90, thereby allowing the cooling device 120 to be turned on and off in conjunction with the on / off status of the heater 90. Alternatively, the switch for the cooling device 120 may be separate from the switch for the heater 90, thereby allowing the on / off status of the cooling device 120 to be controlled independently of the on / off status of the heater 90.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, the airflow F generated by the fan (cooling device 120) rises through the guide tube 130, passes through the outlet 130b and the vent 31a, and hits the lower plate 921 of the heater casing 92 and the joint between the heater casing 92 and the connector 110. This cools the lower plate 921 and the joint between the heater casing 92 and the connector 110. The airflow F also rises through the gap between the side plate 925 of the heater casing 92 and the side plate 33 of the casing cover 30, reaching the upper plate 922 of the heater casing 92. The airflow F then cools the side plate 925 and the upper plate 922. In this way, the cooling device 120 cools the heater casing 92. By providing the guide tube 130, the airflow F can be guided to the heater casing 92, thereby effectively cooling the heater casing 92.

[0066] <3. Effects> As shown in Figure 6E, the heater body 91 includes two extensions 911a, 911b, two end portions 912a, 912b, two outer periphery portions 913a, 913b, two inner periphery portions 914a, 914b, and two semicircular first connecting portions 915a, 915b. This structure of the heater body 91 allows the cookware 60 to be heated uniformly over a wide area.

[0067] If oil or other contaminants enter the heater casing 92, there is a risk of ignition, or deterioration of components inside the heater casing 92, such as the terminals 912a, 912b or heater terminals 95a, 95b. Therefore, by providing the heater casing 92, ignition can be prevented, and deterioration of components inside the heater casing 92 can be prevented.

[0068] The distance D1 between the second end of the inner circumference 914a and the second end of the outer circumference 913a is greater than the distance D2 between the first end of the inner circumference 914a and the adjacent portion of the outer circumference 913a. Similarly, the distance D1 between the second end of the inner circumference 914b and the second end of the outer circumference 913b is greater than the distance D2 between the first end of the inner circumference 914b and the adjacent portion of the outer circumference 913b. This structure allows for a larger bending radius of the first connecting portions 915a and 915b when the heater body 91 is manufactured by bending the sheath heater. This reduces the stress on the first connecting portions 915a and 915b, improving their durability. Furthermore, this structure allows for a larger gap between the outer circumference 913a and the inner circumference 914a, and between the outer circumference 913b and the inner circumference 914b, so that oil dripping from food falls through these gaps. As a result, oil can be prevented from accumulating on the outer circumference 913a, 913b and the inner circumference 914a, 914b, thus preventing the oil from igniting and causing a column of fire to rise from the heater body 91.

[0069] The distance D5 between the first end of the inner circumference 914a and the first end of the central portion 916 is greater than the distance D6 between the second end of the inner circumference 914a and the adjacent portion of the central portion 916. Similarly, the distance D5 between the first end of the inner circumference 914b and the second end of the central portion 916 is greater than the distance D6 between the second end of the inner circumference 914b and the adjacent portion of the central portion 916. This structure allows for a larger bending radius of the second connecting portions 917a and 917b when the heater body 91 is manufactured by bending the sheath heater. This reduces the stress on the second connecting portions 917a and 917b, improving their durability. Furthermore, this structure allows for a larger gap between the inner circumference 914a and the central portion 916, and between the inner circumference 914b and the central portion 916, so that oil dripping from food falls through these gaps. As a result, oil can be prevented from accumulating on the inner circumference 914a, 914b and the central part 916, thus preventing the oil from igniting and causing a column of fire to rise from the heater body 91.

[0070] The inner diameter D3 of the central section 916 is greater than the distance D4 between the first and second ends of the central section 916. This structure allows for a larger bending radius of the central section 916 when the heater body 91 is manufactured by bending the sheathed heater. This reduces the stress on the central section 916 and improves its durability. Furthermore, this structure allows for a larger internal space within the central section 916, so oil dripping from food falls through this internal space. As a result, oil does not accumulate on the central section 916, preventing the oil from igniting and causing a column of fire to rise from the heater body 91.

[0071] The top surface of a spiral-type electric heater, such as the one described in Patent Document 1, is generally flat. In spiral-type electric heaters, if the gaps between the sheathed heaters are large, the cooking utensil will not be heated uniformly. Therefore, the number of turns in the sheathed heater is increased, and the gaps between the sheathed heaters are reduced. However, if the gaps between the sheathed heaters are small, oil dripping from the food will have difficulty falling through the gaps, causing oil to accumulate on the top surface of the electric heater. The flatness of the top surface of the electric heater also contributes to the accumulation of oil. When oil accumulates on the top surface of the electric heater, there is a problem that flames are likely to rise from the electric heater. Therefore, in order to reduce the amount of oil that accumulates, it is conceivable to reduce the diameter (wire width) of the sheathed heater and reduce the width of the top surface of the electric heater. However, if the diameter of the sheathed heater is reduced, the gaps between the sheathed heaters will increase, raising concerns that the cooking utensil will not be heated uniformly. In contrast, the heater body 91 of the heater 90 of the present invention, as shown in Figure 6C, has a first flat surface 91a, a second flat surface 91b, and a convexly curved side surface 91c. More specifically, the first surface 91a and the second surface 91b of the extensions 911a, 911b, the outer peripheral parts 913a, 913b, the inner peripheral parts 914a, 914b, the first connecting parts 915a, 915b, the central part 916, and the second connecting parts 917a, 917b are flat in cross-sectional view, and their side surfaces 91c are convexly curved in cross-sectional view. By making the side surfaces 91c convexly curved, the width d2 of the first surface 91a and the second surface 91b can be reduced without reducing the diameter d1 of each part constituting the heater body 91 (such as the outer peripheral part 913a). The widths d2 of the first surface 91a and the second surface 91b can be reduced, and furthermore, oil that falls onto the side surface 91c flows down the convexly curved side surface 91c, thus reducing the amount of oil that accumulates on the heater body 91. Also, since it is not necessary to reduce the diameter d1 of each part of the heater body 91, a wide area can be heated by each part without reducing the gaps between each part. Because it is not necessary to reduce the gaps between each part of the heater body 91, the heater body 91 can be made larger, so the heater body 91 can heat the cooking utensil 60 uniformly, even to the vicinity of the outer circumference.

[0072] The front plate 102 of the heater cover 100 is approximately perpendicular to the top plate 101. Therefore, compared to, for example, the case where the front plate 102 is inclined diagonally forward, the front plate 102 is less likely to interfere with the heater body 91, allowing the size of the heater body 91 to be increased. As a result, the heater body 91 can heat the cooking utensil 60 uniformly, even to the vicinity of the outer periphery.

[0073] By allowing smoke to be drawn in laterally, the height of the outer casing 10 can be reduced. Therefore, when a user cleans the inside of the outer casing 10 from the inlet opening 13a, the bottom wall 11 is located close to the inlet opening 13a, making cleaning easier.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, the heater casing 92 is positioned on the opposite side of the heater body 91 from the exhaust port 11a, which prevents the heater casing 92 from becoming contaminated by oil and other contaminants contained in the sucked-in smoke. Furthermore, if the cooking appliance 1000 is equipped with a cooling device 120, the absence of the filter 20 and duct 2000 below the heater casing 92 provides space for the cooling device 120.

[0075] As shown in Figure 7, since the two outer periphery portions 913a and 913b are positioned above the second inclined surface 52 of the reflecting member 50, much of the heat radiated downward from the two outer periphery portions 913a and 913b hits the second inclined surface 52. Therefore, the heat radiated downward from the two outer periphery portions 913a and 913b can be effectively reflected towards the cooking utensil 60 by the second inclined surface 52. Also, since the two inner periphery portions 914a and 914b are positioned above the first inclined surface 51 of the reflecting member 50, much of the heat radiated downward from the two inner periphery portions 914a and 914b hits the first inclined surface 51. Therefore, the heat radiated downward from the two inner periphery portions 914a and 914b can be effectively reflected towards the cooking utensil 60 by the first inclined surface 51.

[0076] If the heater casing 92 becomes too hot while the heating appliance 1000 is in use, components inside the heater casing 92, such as the heater terminals 95a and 95b, may deteriorate due to the heat. Therefore, by cooling the heater casing 92 with the cooling device 120, deterioration of the components inside the heater casing 92 due to heat can be prevented.

[0077] Since the cooling device 120 is a fan, the cost associated with the cooling device 120 can be reduced.

[0078] The guide tube 130 includes a second section 132 whose inner diameter gradually decreases as it approaches the heater casing 92, thereby concentrating the airflow F from the fan onto the heater casing 92. This allows for effective cooling of the heater casing 92.

[0079] By making the contact portions 95a2 and 95b2 of the heater terminals 95a and 95b out of pure tungsten, a tungsten alloy, or a silver alloy, it is possible to prevent the contact portions 95a2 and 95b2 from melting when current is applied. This prevents the contact portions 95a2 and 95b2 from welding to the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2 of the connector terminals 113a and 113b.

[0080] By making the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2 of the connector terminals 113a and 113b out of pure tungsten, a tungsten alloy, or a silver alloy, it is possible to prevent the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2 from melting when current is applied. This prevents the contact portions 113a2 and 113b2 from welding to the contact portions 95a2 and 95b2 of the heater terminals 95a and 95b.

[0081] <4. 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.

[0082] (4-1) The heater 90 can also be used in a so-called top-draw type cooking appliance, in which smoke is drawn in by an exhaust hood located above the cooking appliance 1000.

[0083] (4-2) The heater 90 may be electrically coupled to the power supply without going through the connector 110. For example, the heater 90 may not include heater terminals 95a, 95b and a heater ground terminal 96, and the terminations 912a, 912b may be electrically coupled to the power supply by lead wires without going through the connector 110. If the heater 90 does not include heater terminals 95a, 95b and a heater ground terminal 96, the heater casing 92 covers at least the terminations 912a, 912b (more specifically, the portion where the terminations 912a, 912b are connected to the lead wires) to protect the terminations 912a, 912b.

[0084] (4-3) The configuration of cooling the heater casing 92 with the cooling device 120 can be applied to any electric heater 90 equipped with a heater casing 92, regardless of the shape of the heater body 91. Therefore, this configuration can be applied not only to heaters used in round-shaped cooking appliances 1000 in which the cooking appliance 60 and top ring 80 are circular in plan view, but also to heaters used in square-shaped cooking appliances 1000 in which these components are rectangular in plan view.

[0085] (4-4) The cooling device 120 is not limited to a fan. The cooling device 120 may be, for example, a water-cooled device.

[0086] (4-5) The casing cover 30 is provided as needed. Alternatively, the airflow F may be blown directly onto the heater casing 92 from the outlet 130b of the guide pipe 130 without providing the casing cover 30. The guide pipe 130 is also provided as needed. Alternatively, a fan may be attached around the heater casing 92 without providing the guide pipe 130.

[0087] (4-6) As shown in Figure 11, the heater casing 92 may be positioned on the same side as the exhaust port 11a relative to the heater body 91. In this modified cooking appliance 1000, the first opening 12a of the outer casing 10, the casing cover 30, and the second opening 42a of the inner casing 40 are provided on the same side as the exhaust port 11a relative to the heater body 91. By positioning the heater casing 92 on the same side as the exhaust port 11a, the lateral dimensions of the cooking appliance 1000 can be reduced. In this case, the cooling device 120 may be positioned, for example, to the side of the heater casing 92.

[0088] <5. Addendum> (Section 1) A heater for a cooking appliance, The electric heater unit, Heater casing and, Equipped with, The heater body is, Two extensions, each of which has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, Two terminal portions provided at the first end of each of the two extensions, Two outer periphery portions, each of which has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end of one outer periphery portion is integrally connected to the second end of one extension portion, and the first end of the other outer periphery portion is integrally connected to the second end of the other extension portion, Two inner circumferential portions, each of which has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, Two substantially semicircular first connecting portions, one of which is integrally connected to the second end of the outer circumference of one of the first connecting portions and the second end of the inner circumference of one of the first connecting portions, and the other first connecting portion is integrally connected to the second end of the outer circumference of the other and the second end of the inner circumference of the other, Includes, The heater casing covers the two end portions. heater.

[0089] (Section 2) The system further comprises two heater terminals electrically coupled to each of the two aforementioned terminals, The heater casing covers the connection between the two heater terminals and the two end portions. The heater described in item 1.

[0090] (Section 3) The heater is detachable from a connector having two connector terminals. Each of the two heater terminals has a contact portion that can contact the two connector terminals. At least the contact portion is made of pure tungsten, a tungsten alloy, or a silver alloy, preferably pure tungsten, silver-tungsten, or a silver-tin oxide alloy. The heater described in item 2.

[0091] (Section 4) The distance (D1) between the second end of the inner circumference and the second end of the outer circumference is greater than the distance (D2) between the first end of the inner circumference and the adjacent portion of the outer circumference. A heater as described in any one of items 1 to 3.

[0092] (Section 5) Having a first end and a second end, a central portion located inside the two inner circumferential portions, Two second connection points, It further includes, One of the second connecting portions is integrally connected to the first end of the inner circumference portion and the first end of the central portion of one of the two, and the other of the second connecting portions is integrally connected to the first end of the inner circumference portion and the second end of the central portion of the other. A heater as described in any one of items 1 through 4.

[0093] (Section 6) The two second connecting parts have a substantially semicircular shape. The heater described in item 5.

[0094] (Section 7) A cooking appliance equipped with a heater as described in any one of items 1 to 6.

[0095] (Section 8) Outer casing and, An inner casing is disposed within the outer casing, with a gap between it and the outer casing. Furthermore, Smoke is drawn in horizontally through the aforementioned gap. A cooking appliance as described in item 7.

[0096] (Section 9) The outer casing has an exhaust port located at a position eccentrically horizontally from the heater body. The heater casing is positioned on the side of the heater body opposite to the exhaust port. A cooking appliance as described in item 8.

[0097] (Section 10) The outer casing has an exhaust port located at a position eccentrically horizontally from the heater body. The heater casing is positioned on the same side as the exhaust port relative to the heater body. A cooking appliance as described in item 8.

[0098] (Section 11) It is further equipped with a heat-reflecting reflective material, The reflective member is The first inclined surface is inclined diagonally downward toward the central axis of the reflective member, A second inclined surface that is inclined diagonally downward in the direction away from the central axis, Equipped with, The two outer periphery portions are positioned above the second inclined surface, and the two inner periphery portions are positioned above the first inclined surface. A cooking appliance as described in any one of items 7 through 10.

[0099] (Section 12) The device further comprises a cooling device for cooling the heater casing. A cooking appliance as described in any one of items 7 through 11.

[0100] (Section 13) A heater comprising a heater terminal, an electric heater body having a terminal portion electrically coupled to the heater terminal, and a heater casing that covers the coupling portion between the heater terminal and the terminal portion, A cooling device for cooling the heater casing, A cooking appliance equipped with a heating element.

[0101] (Section 14) The aforementioned cooling device is a fan. A cooking appliance as described in item 12 or 13.

[0102] (Section 15) The system further includes a guide tube that guides the airflow from the fan to the heater casing. The guide tube includes a portion in which the inner diameter gradually decreases as it approaches the heater casing. A cooking appliance as described in item 14.

[0103] (Section 16) A heater for a cooking appliance, which is detachable from a connector including connector terminals, The electric heater unit, A heater terminal having a contact portion that can contact the connector terminal and electrically coupled to the heater body, wherein at least the contact portion of the heater terminal is made of pure tungsten, a tungsten alloy or a silver alloy, preferably pure tungsten, silver-tungsten or silver-tin oxide alloy, A heater equipped with this feature.

[0104] (Section 17) The heater according to claim 16, The connector includes a connector terminal to which the contact portion can make contact, and to which the heater is detachably attached. A cooking appliance equipped with a heating element. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1000 heating cooker 10 Outer casing 11a Exhaust port 40 Inner Casing 50 Reflective material 51 1st slope 52 Second slope 60 Cooking Utensils 90 Heater 91 Heater body 911a,911b extension 912a,912b Termination section 913a,913b outer periphery 914a,914b Inner circumference 915a, 915b First connection section 92 Heater casing 95a, 95b Heater terminals 95a2,95b2 Contact part 110 connector 113a, 113b Connector terminals 120 Cooling device (fan) 130 Guide tube 132 Part 2 D1 Distance between the second end of the inner circumference and the second end of the outer circumference D2 Distance between the first end of the inner circumference and the adjacent portion of the outer circumference F Airflow

Claims

1. A heater for a cooking appliance, The electric heater unit, Heater casing and, Equipped with, The heater body is, Two extensions, each of which has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, Two terminal portions provided at the first end of each of the two extensions, Two outer periphery portions, each of which has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end of one outer periphery portion is integrally connected to the second end of one extension portion, and the first end of the other outer periphery portion is integrally connected to the second end of the other extension portion, Two inner circumferential portions are located inside the two outer circumferential portions, and each of the two inner circumferential portions has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, Two substantially semicircular first connecting portions, one of which is integrally connected to the second end of the outer circumference of one of the first connecting portions and the second end of the inner circumference of one of the first connecting portions, and the other first connecting portion is integrally connected to the second end of the outer circumference of the other and the second end of the inner circumference of the other, Includes, The heater casing covers at least the two end portions. heater.

2. The system further comprises two heater terminals electrically coupled to each of the two aforementioned terminals, The heater casing covers at least the coupling portion between the two heater terminals and the two end portions. The heater according to claim 1.

3. The distance (D1) between the second end of the inner circumference and the second end of the outer circumference is greater than the distance (D2) between the first end of the inner circumference and the adjacent portion of the outer circumference. The heater according to claim 1.

4. A cooking appliance comprising a heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Outer casing and, An inner casing is disposed within the outer casing, with a gap between it and the outer casing. Furthermore, Smoke is drawn in horizontally through the aforementioned gap. A cooking appliance according to claim 4.

6. The outer casing has an exhaust port located at a position eccentrically horizontally from the heater body. The heater casing is positioned on the side of the heater body opposite to the exhaust port. A cooking appliance according to claim 5.

7. The outer casing has an exhaust port located at a position eccentrically horizontally from the heater body. The heater casing is positioned on the same side as the exhaust port relative to the heater body. A cooking appliance according to claim 5.

8. It is further equipped with a heat-reflecting reflective material, The reflective member is The first inclined surface is inclined diagonally downward toward the central axis of the reflective member, A second inclined surface that is inclined diagonally downward in the direction away from the central axis, Equipped with, The two outer periphery portions are positioned above the second inclined surface, and the two inner periphery portions are positioned above the first inclined surface. A cooking appliance according to claim 4.

9. A heater comprising a heater terminal, an electrically heated heater body having a terminal portion electrically coupled to the heater terminal, and a heater casing that covers the coupling portion between the heater terminal and the terminal portion, A cooling device for cooling the heater casing, A cooking appliance equipped with a heating element.

10. The aforementioned cooling device is a fan. A cooking appliance according to claim 9.

11. The system further includes a guide tube that guides the airflow from the fan to the heater casing. The guide tube includes a portion in which the inner diameter gradually decreases as it approaches the heater casing. A heating appliance according to claim 10.

12. A heater for a cooking appliance, which is detachable from a connector including connector terminals, The electric heater unit, A heater terminal having a contact portion that can contact the connector terminal and electrically coupled to the heater body, wherein at least the contact portion is made of pure tungsten, a tungsten alloy, or a silver alloy, A heater equipped with this feature.

13. The heater according to claim 12, The connector includes a connector terminal to which the contact portion can make contact, and to which the heater is detachably attached. A cooking appliance equipped with a heating element.

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