Heating cooker

Abstract

To provide a cooker related to an infrared heater with improved heat quantity.SOLUTION: A cooker 1 comprises a plurality of infrared heaters 6 each having two carbonaceous heating elements 22 that emit infrared rays when energized. Further, each infrared heater 6 is waterproofed. The cooker 1 also comprises a chassis 2 holding each infrared heater 6, and each refractory brick 4 held by the chassis 2. In addition, each carbonaceous heating element 22 has a meandering shape. Alternatively, each infrared heater 6 has an outer tube 20 and an inner tube 23 made of quartz glass.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking heater for heating an object to be heated such as a Chinese wok.

Background Art

[0002] As a cooking heater having a spiral sheathed heater as a main heater, an electric cooking heater described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-137608 (Patent Document 1) is known. This electric cooking heater includes an auxiliary heater composed of a cylindrical heat insulating material and a halogen heater arranged spirally on the inner peripheral side thereof. The auxiliary heater is provided above the main heater so as to surround the main heater.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above electric cooking heater, the halogen heater of the auxiliary heater increases the amount of heat compared to the case of only the main heater, and the heat insulating material forms a heating space that is nearly airtight when a wok or the like is placed, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency compared to the case without the heat insulating material. However, since the main heater is a sheathed heater and the auxiliary heater is a halogen heater, even if the thermal efficiency is increased by the heat insulating material, the amount of heat is inferior to that of a gas cooker. In particular, in the case of cooking Chinese cuisine, for example, when a high heating amount of about 20,000 kcal (kilocalories) is required, it is difficult for the sheathed heater and the auxiliary heater, which are halogen heaters, to provide the same amount of heat in a realistic size.

[0005] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a cooking heater related to an infrared heater with improved heat quantity.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is an infrared heater having a carbonaceous heating element that emits infrared rays when energized and a foot switch for adjusting the power to the infrared heater in multiple steps or steplessly by an operation with the user's foot, and a calorific value adjustment switch arranged at the user's hand for adjusting the power to the infrared heater in multiple steps or steplessly and comprising wherein the calorific value of the infrared heater is switched in multiple steps or steplessly by an operation on the foot switch or an operation on the calorific value adjustment switch which is characterized by the above. The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the infrared heater is subjected to waterproof treatment. The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the above invention, it comprises a chassis for holding the infrared heater and a refractory brick held by the chassis. The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the chassis has an openable and closable lid. The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the carbonaceous heating element has a meandering shape. The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the infrared heater has a tube made of quartz glass. The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the carbonaceous heating element has a first heating part and a second heating part having a larger calorific value than the first heating part.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] The main advantage of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance related to an infrared heater with improved heat quantity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments according to the present invention, together with modification examples thereof, will be described as appropriate based on the drawings. Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the following examples and modification examples.

[0010] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a front view of the cooking heater 1 and its base ST according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a left side view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top view of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooking heater 1. In FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, up is the top of the cooking heater 1, and left is the left of the cooking heater 1. Also, in FIG. 3, up is the right of the cooking heater 1, and right is the front of the cooking heater 1. Such a direction of the cooking heater 1 is defined for convenience of explanation and may change depending on the movement and installation modes of various members and parts. The cooking heater 1 is placed on the base ST. Note that the base ST may be included in the components of the cooking heater 1. The cooking heater 1 includes a chassis 2, a cooking grate 3, a plurality of refractory bricks 4, a plurality (six) of infrared heaters 6, a lighting switch 8, a turning-off switch 10, a heating amount adjustment switch 12, and a control unit 14.

[0011] The chassis 2 is made of metal and is in the shape of a box with the central part of the upper surface open. A lid 18 is provided at the central part of the lower surface of the chassis 2. The lid 18 is rectangular and can be opened and closed around the rear side. The lid 18 is opened downward by removing a lock (not shown). The lid 18 has foldable plate-like lid legs 18F. Also, a hood 19 is provided so as to stand up and surround three sides of the upper surface of the chassis 2 (Figs. 1 to 3). Note that at least one of the lid 18 and the hood 19 may be omitted. The trivet 3 is a metal plate having a hole at the central part. The trivet 3 is fitted into the upper surface opening of the chassis 2. The hole of the trivet 3 is adapted to the center of the Chinese wok CP1 and the part below the flange of the pan CP2. The Chinese wok CP1 and the pan CP2 are examples of the heating target CP (not marked with a symbol in the figure). In Figs. 1 to 4, the pan CP2 is shown in Fig. 2, and the Chinese wok CP1 is shown in the other figures. The lower part of the Chinese wok CP1 and the lower surface of the pan CP2 are adjacent to each infrared heater 6 in the chassis 2. Note that the heating target CP may be other than the Chinese wok CP1 and the pan CP2. The heating target CP may be in contact with the infrared heater 6. Also, the trivet 3 may be omitted. In this case, the upper surface opening of the chassis 2 may be formed in a shape adapted to the heating target CP. Each refractory brick 4 is arranged side by side so as to cover the inner surface of the chassis 2. Each refractory brick 4 is held by the chassis 2. The refractory brick 4 above the lid 18 opens and closes together with the lid 18.

[0012] Each infrared heater 6 extends in the left - right direction and is arranged in the front - rear direction within the same virtual plane. Note that each infrared heater 6 may be arranged in the front - rear direction so as not to belong to the same virtual plane. For example, each infrared heater 6 may be arranged so as to belong to a virtual curved surface along the lower surface of the Chinese wok CP1, that is, in a "U" - shaped arrangement when viewed from the side.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a top view of the infrared heater 6. Each infrared heater 6 includes an outer tube 20 made of quartz glass, a carbonaceous heating element 22, a plurality (two) of inner tubes 23 made of quartz glass, a caulking 24, a plurality (four) of internal conductors 26, an internal connection part 27, and a plurality (two) of heater conductors 28.

[0014] The outer tube 20 is tubular and extends horizontally, and more specifically, is cylindrical. The left end of the outer tube 20 has a horizontal flat plate portion 20F. An inert gas (for example, argon gas) is enclosed in the outer tube 20. The outer tube 20 allows infrared rays to pass through. Note that at least one of the flat plate portion 20F and the enclosure of the inert gas in the outer tube 20 may be omitted.

[0015] The carbonaceous heating element 22 is disposed inside the outer tube 20. The carbonaceous heating element 22 has a length shorter than the outer tube 20 by the length of the internal wiring space. The carbonaceous heating element 22 is formed from a plurality (two) of carbonaceous plates 22P. The carbonaceous heating element 22 is in a horizontal posture. Note that the posture of the carbonaceous heating element 22 may be other than horizontal. For example, when each infrared heater 6 is arranged in a "U" shape in side view along a virtual curved surface as in the above-described modification example, the posture of the carbonaceous heating element 22 may be along the virtual curved surface. Also, the postures of some of the plurality of carbonaceous plates 22P may be different from those of other parts. There may be one carbonaceous plate 22P per infrared heater 6, or three or more. Each carbonaceous plate 22P is disposed inside the inner tube 23. The infrared heater 6 has a double-tube structure with the outer tube 20 and each inner tube 23. Each inner tube 23 suppresses a short circuit between adjacent carbonaceous plates 22P and individually protects the carbonaceous plates 22P. An inert gas (for example, argon gas) is enclosed in each inner tube 23. Note that an inert gas may not be enclosed between the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 23. The enclosure of the inert gas in the inner tube 23 may be omitted. The carbonaceous heating element 22 may be protected by a single-tube structure or a triple or more tube structure. Each carbonaceous plate 22P has slits of the same length alternately and at equal intervals from both the front and rear sides throughout the whole except for the left and right end portions. Therefore, the central portion of each carbonaceous plate 22P, that is, the central portion of the carbonaceous heating element 22, has a meandering shape. Two carbonaceous plates 22P are arranged side by side in the front and rear directions. Note that the meandering shape does not necessarily have to be arranged at the central portion of the carbonaceous heating element 22. Also, the arrangement of the meandering shape may be different for each carbonaceous plate 22P. The meandering shape may be arranged at a plurality of locations in one carbonaceous plate 22P. The carbonaceous heating element 22 radiates infrared rays when energized. Since the electrical resistance of the carbonaceous heating element 22 increases more in the meandering shape portion than in other portions, infrared rays are mainly radiated and heat is generated mainly in the meandering shape portion.

[0016] The outer stone 24 is cylindrical. The outer stone 24 has heat resistance and insulation. The outer stone 24 is provided outside the flat plate portion 20F of the outer tube 20. The outer stone 24 is an inner wire support portion that supports two inner wires 26. Also, the outer stone 24 is a heater wire support portion that supports two heater wires 28. Note that the outer stone 24 may be arranged other than outside the flat plate portion 20F.

[0017] Each inner wire 26 has conductivity. Each inner wire 26 is arranged inside the outer tube 20. Also, the inner side portion of each inner wire 26 in the left - right direction is arranged inside the corresponding inner tube 23. Each inner tube 23 is supported by the corresponding inner wire 26. The first internal conductor 26 is electrically connected within the left portion of the subsequent inner tube 23 to the left end portion of the carbonaceous plate 22P behind the carbonaceous heating element 22. The second internal conductor 26 is electrically connected within the right portion of the subsequent inner tube 23 to the right end portion of the carbonaceous plate 22P behind the carbonaceous heating element 22. The third internal conductor 26 is electrically connected within the right portion of the previous inner tube 23 to the right end portion of the carbonaceous plate 22P in front of the carbonaceous heating element 22. The second internal conductor 26 and the third internal conductor 26 are connected by an internal connection portion 27 disposed outside each inner tube 23 and within the outer tube 20. The internal connection portion 27 is supported by the outer tube 20 and directly or indirectly supports at least any one of the carbonaceous plate 22P, each internal conductor 26, and each inner tube 23. The fourth internal conductor 26 is electrically connected within the left portion of the previous inner tube 23 to the left end portion of the carbonaceous plate 22P in front of the carbonaceous heating element 22. The first internal conductor 26 and the second internal conductor 26 correspond to the subsequent inner tube 23. The third internal conductor 26 and the fourth internal conductor 26 correspond to the previous inner tube 23. The left end portion of the first internal conductor 26 and the left end portion of the fourth internal conductor 26 are disposed within the flat plate portion 20F. The two carbonaceous plates 22P are connected in series by each internal conductor 26 and the internal connection portion 27.

[0018] Each heater conductor 28 has a covering portion and a conductor portion disposed therein. Each conductor portion has conductivity. The conductor portion of the first heater conductor 28 is electrically connected to the first internal conductor 26. The first heater conductor 28 passes through the insulating member 24 (flat plate portion 20F) from the connection portion with the first internal conductor 26 and extends leftward. The conductor portion of the second heater conductor 28 is electrically connected to the fourth internal conductor 26. The second heater conductor 28 passes through the insulating member 24 (flat plate portion 20F) from the connection portion with the fourth internal conductor 26 and extends leftward. Note that the arrangement of each heater conductor 28 may be other than that described above. For example, the connection portion between the heater conductor 28 and the internal conductor 26 may be disposed outside the flat plate portion 20F. Also, each heater conductor 28 may be arranged vertically.

[0019] When the carbonaceous heating element 22 of each infrared heater 6 receives power supply through each heater wire 28 and each internal wire 26, it lights up, emits infrared rays, and generates heat with a calorific value corresponding to the amount of electric power. The outer tube 20, the inner tube 23, each spacer 24, each internal wire 26, and each heater wire 28 are non-heating parts. That is, those other than the carbonaceous heating element 22 that actively generates heat by electric power indirectly generate heat by receiving heat from the carbonaceous heating element 22, but do not become heating parts.

[0020] FIG. 6(A) is an enlarged side view of the left end portion of the infrared heater 6. FIG. 6(B) is a top view of FIG. 6(A). FIG. 6(C) is a view in a state where the spacers 24 are removed from FIG. 6(B). Between the spacers 24 and the outer tube 20 (flat plate portion 20F) in each infrared heater 6 (the hatched portions in FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C)), waterproof processing is performed. The waterproof processing is performed by coating with a silicone resin. The silicone resin has waterproofness and heat resistance. Note that the waterproof processing may be performed with something other than the silicone resin. Also, the construction part of the waterproof processing may be other than the above-mentioned one. Further, the waterproof processing may be performed only on a part of each infrared heater 6. For example, the waterproof processing may be performed only on the four central infrared heaters 6 in the front-rear direction.

[0021] The chassis 2 holds each infrared heater 6 via the left and right refractory bricks 4. The refractory bricks 4 arranged inside each of the left and right inner surfaces of the chassis 2 have holes for the infrared heaters 6 to pass through. Note that the chassis 2 may directly hold the infrared heaters 6 instead of the refractory bricks 4 or together with the refractory bricks 4.

[0022] The lighting switch 8 is a switch that repeatedly switches on and off sequentially when pressed forward. The extinguishing switch 10 is a switch that repeatedly switches on and off sequentially when pressed forward. The calorific value adjustment switch 12 is cylindrical and has a knob 40 that can rotate around the central axis in the front-rear direction. The calorific value adjustment switch 12 switches according to the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the knob 40. The calorific value adjustment switch 12 adjusts the power to each infrared heater 6, adjusts the calorific value of each infrared heater 6, and adjusts the heating amount for the heating target CP. The lighting switch 8, the extinguishing switch 10, and the calorific value adjustment switch 12 are provided at the upper right front of the chassis 2. The upper right front of the chassis 2 serves as the operation unit 42. Note that at least any one of the lighting switch 8, the extinguishing switch 10, and the calorific value adjustment switch 12 may be of another type. For example, the lighting switch 8 and the extinguishing switch 10 may be a common toggle switch. Also, the calorific value adjustment switch 12 may consist of a “+” switch for increasing the calorific value and a “-” switch for decreasing the calorific value.

[0023] The control unit 14 is provided outside the chassis 2. Note that the control unit 14 may be provided integrally with the chassis 2. Also, the control unit 14 may not be included in the components of the cooking heater 1. The control unit 14 is electrically connected to each infrared heater 6 via each heater conductor 28. The control unit 14 controls the supply of power to each infrared heater 6. The power is supplied from a power source (not shown). Note that the control unit 14 may be connected to each infrared heater 6 via a terminal block. The terminal block may be provided inside the chassis 2 or outside the chassis 2. Also, the control unit 14 is electrically connected to the lighting switch 8, the extinguishing switch 10, and the calorific value adjustment switch 12, respectively. The control unit 14 supplies maximum power to each infrared heater 6 in response to the pressing of the lighting switch 8 and turns on each infrared heater 6. Note that the control unit 14 may supply power other than the maximum power in response to the pressing of the lighting switch 8. The control unit 14 stops the supply of power to each infrared heater 6 in response to the pressing of the extinguishing switch 10 and turns off the infrared heater 6. The control unit 14 adjusts the lighting intensity of the infrared heaters 6 by changing the amount of power supplied to each infrared heater 6 according to the state of the knob 40 on the heating amount adjustment switch 12.

[0024] The base ST is made of metal and has three spaces in the upper, middle, and lower sections. The chassis 2 of the cooking heater 1 is installed in the upper section of the base ST. An open lid 18 is placed in the middle section of the base ST. When the lid 18 is opened, the lid legs 18F spread out vertically and horizontally and contact the bottom plate of the middle section of the base ST to hold the lid 18 in the open state. Figure 1 shows the lid 18 in the open state. In other figures, the lid 18 is closed, including the lid legs 18F. The control unit 14 is installed in the lower section of the base ST. There is also a space below the lower section of the base ST, and the control unit 14 is separated from the floor. In addition, a water faucet may be provided on the upper rear side or the like of the base ST.

[0025] A wattmeter WM is installed behind the right side of the base ST via a pillar P. The wattmeter WM is provided so that its posture can be changed by rotation around an axis in the left - right direction (see the two - dotted line in Figure 2). The wattmeter WM notifies the current power consumption. The wattmeter WM is connected to the control unit 14. In addition, the arrangement of the wattmeter WM may be other than on the pillar P behind the right side. Also, the wattmeter WM does not have to be rotatable. Furthermore, the wattmeter WM may be equipped with a memory button and a memory display button, store the power consumption when the memory button is pressed, and display the stored power consumption for a predetermined time when the memory display button is pressed. Also, the wattmeter WM may be at least one of a clock that displays the time and a timer that counts down the set time. Furthermore, the control unit 14 may execute various controls according to the state of the wattmeter WM. For example, when the current power consumption in the wattmeter WM is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 14 may turn off or dim each infrared heater 6.

[0026] Hereinafter, operation examples of such a cooking heater 1 and the like will be described. The user places the desired heating target CP on the cooking hearth 3 and operates the lighting switch 8. Then, each infrared heater 6 lights up at the maximum power. In this case, a power of 1500 W (watts) is applied to each of the infrared heaters 6. The six infrared heaters 6 generate heat equivalent to 9 kW. The conversion efficiency from power to heat in each infrared heater 6 is nearly 100% due to the adoption of the carbonaceous heating element 22 or the like, which is extremely good. Also, each infrared heater 6 reaches the maximum heat amount in an extremely short time after the start of power supply due to the adoption of the carbonaceous heating element 22 or the like. Furthermore, each infrared heater 6 is less likely to cause an overshoot as seen in a sheathed heater and is lighter than a sheathed heater due to the adoption of the outer tube 20 and inner tube 23 made of quartz glass and the carbonaceous heating element 22 or the like. Also, since the posture of the carbonaceous heating element 22 is horizontal, the infrared rays radiated from each infrared heater 6 are concentrated in the vertical direction. Among them, the infrared rays radiated upward directly contribute to the heating of the heating target CP. Also, the infrared rays radiated downward or the like contribute to the heating of each refractory brick 4 and indirectly contribute to the heating of the heating target CP. Each refractory brick 4 accumulates and gradually releases radiant heat by infrared rays. Furthermore, due to the nature of infrared rays, less heat escapes to the surroundings compared to heating by a gas flame. Therefore, the heating of the heating target CP with 9 kW equivalent by the six infrared heaters 6 exceeds the heating by a 20,000 kcal gas flame.

[0027] The user appropriately operates the heating amount adjustment switch 12 to adjust the heat amount and performs cooking by heating with the heating target CP. The followability (followability to power changes) of each infrared heater 6 with respect to the switching of the heating amount adjustment switch 12 is rapid due to the adoption of the carbonaceous heating element 22 or the like. Also, the user can sense the degree of the heat amount based on the brightness of the carbonaceous heating element 22 or the like. The control unit 14 evenly increases or decreases the power to each infrared heater 6 according to the switching of the heating amount adjustment switch 12. Note that the control unit 14 may increase or decrease the power to each infrared heater 6 unevenly. For example, the control unit 14 may decrease the power to the two central infrared heaters 6 in the front-rear direction earlier than the power to the other infrared heaters 6. The cooking object CP to be heated is heated non-locally by infrared rays as compared with electromagnetic induction heating (IH). The user can cook better with the cooking object CP heated overall in the same manner as in the case of a gas flame. Moreover, the user can grasp the power consumption and the like by using the wattmeter WM.

[0028] When the heating and cooking by the cooking object CP is finished, the user operates the light-off switch 10. Then, each infrared heater 6 is turned off. The light-off of each infrared heater 6 is rapid due to the adoption of the carbonaceous heating element 22 or the like. Furthermore, since each infrared heater 6 can be quickly re-lit and the refractory brick 4 releases heat gradually, the user does not need to continuously heat the cooking object CP with a low flame for heat preservation as in the case of a gas flame, and can frequently turn off each infrared heater 6. Therefore, the heating cooker 1 becomes safer and more economical. In addition, since the heating cooker 1 can be frequently turned off in this way and there is little heat escaping to the surroundings, it is difficult to raise the temperature of the cooking area. Therefore, the user can cook in an environment that is not as hot as in the case of a gas flame.

[0029] Moreover, when the refractory brick 4 is cooled or the like, the user can open the lid 18 and clean the inside of the heating cooker 1, such as removing the food ingredients that have fallen on the outer surface of the refractory brick 4.

[0030] The heating cooker 1 according to such a first embodiment has the following effects. That is, the heating cooker 1 includes each infrared heater 6 having a carbonaceous heating element 22 that emits infrared rays when energized. Therefore, a heating cooker 1 is provided in which the amount of heat is improved as compared with a sheathed heater and a halogen heater, and is comparable to or substantially exceeds the amount of heat of a gas stove for Chinese cooking. Furthermore, waterproof processing is performed on each infrared heater 6 (the connection portion between the heating element 24 and the outer tube 20). Therefore, even if food ingredients or the like come into contact with each infrared heater 6, it can be more easily removed, and the cleaning of the heating cooker 1 is easier. Furthermore, it includes a chassis 2 that holds each infrared heater 6, and each refractory brick 4 held by the chassis 2. Therefore, even when each infrared heater 6 is turned off, heat insulation can be adjusted to such an extent that the food is not burned or the ambient temperature is not increased, and the usability when each infrared heater 6 is frequently turned off is improved. Furthermore, the chassis 2 has an openable and closable lid 18. Therefore, it is easier to clean the heating cooker 1. In addition, each carbonaceous heating element 22 has a meandering shape. Therefore, a heating cooker 1 with improved heat quantity is provided. Also, each infrared heater 6 has an outer tube 20 made of quartz glass and each inner tube 23. The melting points of the outer tube 20 made of quartz glass and each inner tube 23 are about 1600 °C. Therefore, an infrared heater 6 that can sufficiently withstand high temperatures, and thus a heating cooker 1, is provided.

[0031] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention, which is the same as the first embodiment except for a part of the infrared heater and the operation unit, will be described below. The same members and parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 7 is a front view of a heating cooker 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention and its base ST. FIG. 8 is a left side view of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a top view of FIG. 7. The heating cooker 101 is placed on the base ST.

[0032] The heating cooker 101 has two infrared heaters 6 and four infrared heaters 106. Four infrared heaters 106 are arranged between the frontmost and rearmost infrared heaters 6. Each infrared heater 106 shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the infrared heater 6 of the first embodiment except that the carbonaceous heating element 22 is the carbonaceous heating element 122. Note that the infrared heater 106 has the same modification examples as the infrared heater 6 of the first embodiment as appropriate. The carbonaceous heating element 122 has the pitch of the slits in each carbonaceous plate 122P changed between the central part and other parts, with the pitch in the central part being wide and the pitch in other parts being narrow. Therefore, the width of the meandering portion in the central part of each carbonaceous plate 122P is relatively large (wide portion 122B), and the width of the meandering portion other than the central part of each carbonaceous plate 122P is relatively small (left and right narrow portions 122N). The electrical resistance (heat generation amount) of the wide portion 122B is smaller than the electrical resistance (heat generation amount) of each narrow portion 122N. The rated heat generation amount of the wide portion 122B is 300 W, the rated heat generation temperature of the wide portion 122B is 950 °C, the rated heat generation amount of each narrow portion 122N is 600 W, and the rated heat generation temperature of each narrow portion 122N is 1075 °C. The wide portion 122B corresponds to the first heat generating portion, and each narrow portion 122N corresponds to the second heat generating portion having a larger heat generation amount than the first heat generating portion. Each carbonaceous plate 122P is covered by the inner tube 23, similar to the carbonaceous plate 22P of the infrared heater 6. The voltage and power of the entire infrared heater 106 are 200 V and 1500 W. In addition, the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion may be formed by other factors than the size of the width of the carbonaceous plate 122P. Also, the arrangement of the first heat generating portion is not limited to being between the second heat generating portions. Further, a third heat generating portion having a larger heat generation amount than the second heat generating portion may be provided, and similarly, a (k + 1)th heat generating portion having a larger heat generation amount than the kth heat generating portion (k = [3] or [3, 4] or [3, 4, 5] ···) may be provided.

[0033] A set of narrow portions 122N and a carbonaceous heating element 22 (a second heat generating portion group having a larger heat generation amount than the first heat generating portion group) are provided to surround a set of wide portions 122B (first heat generating portion group) that form a rectangular shape by arranging a total of six infrared heaters 6 and 106 in series. In particular, the installation of the first heating element group consisting of a total of six infrared heaters 6 and 106 and the second heating element group with a larger heating capacity than this is effective for the round-bottomed Chinese pot CP1 on the lower surface. That is, the Chinese pot CP1 is heated by the first heating element group facing it at a relatively close distance to its central part and the second heating element group facing it at a relatively far distance to its peripheral part, and is heated more uniformly. Also, the installation of the first heating element group and the second heating element group also provides efficient heating for the flat-bottomed pot CP2, similar to a burner with a circular flame port. In addition, the shapes of the first heating element group and the second heating element group are not limited to those described above. For example, the first heating element group may be elliptical.

[0034] The operation unit 142 of the cooking heater 101 is divided into a main body operation unit 142A at the user's hand and an external operation unit 142B at the user's feet. The main body operation unit 142A is arranged at the upper right front of the chassis 2 and has a heating capacity adjustment switch 112. The heating capacity adjustment switch 112 is connected to the control unit 14. The heating capacity adjustment switch 112 switches in four steps by a short press forward (a pressing operation for less than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second)). The switching of the heating capacity adjustment switch 112 becomes the first step, the second step, the third step, and the fourth step for each short press, and then returns to the first step and is appropriately repeated. On the other hand, the heating capacity adjustment switch 112 switches to the long press mode by a long press forward (a pressing operation held for a predetermined time or more). The external operation unit 142B is arranged around the control unit 14 or the control unit 14 itself, and includes a lighting switch 108, a turning-off switch 110, and a foot switch 111. Note that the foot switch 111 may be omitted. The lighting switch 108 and the turning-off switch 110 are the same as the lighting switch 8 and the turning-off switch 10 in the first embodiment, except that they are provided on the front surface of the control unit 14. The foot switch 111 is a switch that can be operated by the user's foot, is placed on the floor, is connected to the control unit 14 via a cord, and switches steps in common with the heating capacity adjustment switch 112. However, the forward pressing operation is replaced by a pressing operation by stepping on the foot.

[0035] The operation example of the cooking heater 101 will be described below. The control unit 14 turns on the power of the cooking heater 101 by operating the lighting switch 108, and lights up each infrared heater 6, 106. When the power is turned on, the control unit 14 sets the switching states of the heating amount adjustment switch 112 and the foot switch 111 to the first stage. In the first-stage switching state of the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the like, the control unit 14 supplies the maximum power to each infrared heater 6, 106. Each infrared heater 6, 106 generates heat with the maximum heating amount. When the user short-presses the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the foot switch 111, the switching state of the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the like becomes the second stage. The control unit 14 sets the heating amount of each infrared heater 6, 106 to a medium level corresponding to the second stage. When the user further short-presses the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the foot switch 111, the switching state of the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the like becomes the third stage. The control unit 14 further weakens the heating amount of each infrared heater 6, 106 corresponding to the third stage. In any of the above strong, medium, and weak stages, each infrared heater 6, 106 generates heat in a state where the heating amount around it is larger than the heating amount of the set of narrow portions 122N. When the user further short-presses the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the foot switch 111, the switching state of the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the like becomes the fourth stage. The control unit 14 stops the power supply to each infrared heater 6, 106 and turns off the power of the cooking heater 101 in the same way as when the extinguishing switch 110 is operated. When the user further short-presses the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the foot switch 111, the switching state of the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the like returns to the first stage.

[0036] On the other hand, regardless of the stage, when the heating amount adjustment switch 112 or the foot switch 111 is switched to the long-press mode by a long-press operation, the control unit 14 turns off the power of the cooking heater 101. Furthermore, at least any one of various operations, stages, and controls can be changed from those described above. For example, the number of switching stages by the calorific value adjustment switch 112 and the foot switch 111 may be 3 or less, or may be 5 or more. Different controls may be performed between the calorific value adjustment switch 112 and the foot switch 111. The mode switching by long pressing may be omitted. Instead of a push operation, a pull operation may be used. A push operation and a pull operation may be enabled, and when the pull operation is performed, it may be switched to a mode corresponding to the long press mode. When switching to the fourth stage or the long press mode by the calorific value adjustment switch 112 or the foot switch 111, the control unit 14 may set it to a standby state where power is ensured for components other than the infrared heaters 6 and 106, and when the off switch 110 is operated, it may be set to a complete power-off state where the power supply to the entire cooking heater 101 is stopped. During the long press mode, within the time that the long press is maintained, the calorific value of each of the infrared heaters 6 and 106 may be switched steplessly.

[0037] The cooking heater 101 according to such a second embodiment exhibits the same operational effects as the first embodiment, and further exhibits the following operational effects. That is, in the cooking heater 101, each carbonaceous heating element 122 has a wide portion 122B and each narrow portion 122N having a calorific value greater than that of the wide portion 122B. Therefore, heat generating portions related to a plurality of calorific values are provided, and various heat generating portions can be arranged to more efficiently heat the main heating target CP. In addition, a foot switch 111 is provided for adjusting the power to each of the infrared heaters 6 and 106 by an operation with the user's foot. Therefore, even when the user's both hands are occupied by operations such as cooking for operating the heating target CP, the calorific value of each of the infrared heaters 6 and 106 can be adjusted, and a cooking heater 101 with better operability is provided.

[0038] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment or modification example of the present invention may further appropriately have the following modification examples. The material of various members or parts may be changed, such as the chassis 2 being made of heat-resistant plastic. The total number of infrared heaters 6 and 106 may be 5 or less or 7 or more, or the refractory bricks 4 may be arranged only on the bottom surface of the chassis 2. That is, at least one of the number and arrangement of various members or parts may be changed. The change in the number of various members or parts may include setting it to 0, that is, omitting various members or parts. In the second embodiment, only one or more infrared heaters 106 may be used, or one or more different types of infrared heaters different from the infrared heaters 6 and 106, that is, three or more types of infrared heaters may be used. In the first embodiment, any of the various components of the second embodiment may be introduced, or in the second embodiment, any of the various components of the first embodiment may be introduced. For example, in the second embodiment, the power meter WM of the first embodiment may be provided. In the first embodiment, the infrared heater 106 may be used. In the first embodiment, at least one of the calorific value adjustment switch 112 and the foot switch 111 of the second embodiment may be provided. The calorific value adjustment switch 12 of the first embodiment may be replaced with the calorific value adjustment switch 112 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the calorific value adjustment switch 112 may be replaced with the calorific value adjustment switch 12 of the first embodiment, or may be provided together with the calorific value adjustment switch 12 of the first embodiment.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0039] 1, 101···heating cooker, 2···chassis, 4···refractory brick, 6, 106···infrared heater, 18···lid, 20···quartz glass tube, 22, 122···carbonaceous heating element, 111···foot switch, 122B···wide part (first heating part), 122N···narrow part (second heating part).

Claims

1. An infrared heater having a carbonaceous heating element that emits infrared rays when energized, a foot switch for adjusting the power to the infrared heater in multiple steps or steplessly by an operation with a user's foot, a heating amount adjustment switch arranged at the user's hand for adjusting the power to the infrared heater in multiple steps or steplessly, and comprising: wherein the heating amount of the infrared heater is switched in multiple steps or steplessly by an operation on the foot switch or an operation on the heating amount adjustment switch characterizes a cooking heater.

2. The infrared heater is waterproofed. The cooking heater according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. a chassis for holding the infrared heater, and refractory bricks held by the chassis, and comprising: The cooking heater according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The chassis has an openable lid. The cooking heater according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The carbonaceous heating element has a meandering shape. The cooking heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The infrared heater has a tube made of quartz glass. The cooking heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

7. The carbonaceous heating element has a first heating part and a second heating part having a larger heating amount than the first heating part. The cooking heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that.

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