Induction heating conditioner

Abstract

To efficiently heat a heating object.SOLUTION: An induction heating cooker comprises: a top plate onto which a heating object is mounted; a heating coil unit that is arranged below the top plate, and induction-heats the heating object; and a first light emission device that is arranged below the top plate, and irradiates the top plate with a plurality of linear light beams indicating a reference position that becomes a reference of a position for mounting and heating the heating object at least on an inner side of a heating region where the heating coil unit is arranged in a plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an induction cooker. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooking device that includes a substantially ring-shaped light emitter that is arranged on the underside of a top plate.

[0003] In the cooking device described in Patent Document 1, the light emitter is arranged around the induction heating coil and indicates the position of the induction heating coil with light. The light emitter lights up at a reduced brightness when heating is stopped and lights up at an increased brightness when heating starts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-002648 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the cooking device described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of indicating the appropriate position for heating an object to be heated.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an induction heating cooker that can indicate an appropriate position for heating an object to be heated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An induction heating cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a top plate on which an object to be heated is placed; a heating coil unit disposed below the top plate and configured to induction heat the object to be heated; a first light-emitting device that is disposed below the top plate and is configured to irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear lights that indicate a reference position that serves as a reference for a position for placing and heating the object to be heated, at least inside a heating region in which the heating coil unit is disposed in a plan view; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an induction heating cooker that can indicate an appropriate position for heating an object to be heated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an induction heating cooker according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a control block diagram showing a main control configuration of the induction heating cooker according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate of the induction heating cooker according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of an induction heating cooker according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic enlarged view showing a part of the internal configuration of the induction heating cooker shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the induction heating cooker shown in FIG. 5 taken along line AA. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate in Modification 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate of an induction heating cooker according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged view of a part of the internal configuration of an induction heating cooker according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic enlarged view of a part of the first light emitting device of Modification 2. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first light emitting device taken along line BB. [Figure 12] 10 is a schematic enlarged view of a part of the first light emitting device of Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first light emitting device shown in FIG. 12 taken along line CC. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate of an induction heating cooker according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a top plate in an induction heating cooker according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate of an induction heating cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a control block diagram showing a main control configuration of an induction heating cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate in Modification 4. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of an induction heating cooker according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of an induction heating cooker according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an internal configuration of an induction heating cooker according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate of an induction heating cooker according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate in Modification 5. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of an induction heating cooker according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate of an induction heating cooker according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of light-emitting displays on a top plate in response to heating by a heating coil unit. [Figure 27] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing another example of a light-emitting display on a top plate in response to heating by a heating coil unit. [Figure 28] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing another example of a light-emitting display on a top plate in response to heating by a heating coil unit. [Figure 29] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate of an induction heating cooker according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a light-emitting display on a top plate in the induction heating cooker according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate in Modification 6. [Figure 32] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate of an induction heating cooker according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of light-emitting displays on a top plate in other embodiments. [Figure 34] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of light-emitting displays on a top plate in other embodiments. [Figure 35] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of light-emitting displays on a top plate in other embodiments. [Figure 36] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of light-emitting displays on a top plate in other embodiments. [Figure 37] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of light-emitting displays on a top plate in other embodiments. [Figure 38] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of light-emitting displays on a top plate in other embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Background to this disclosure) The cooking appliance described in Patent Document 1 includes a substantially ring-shaped light emitter arranged around a heating coil. The light emitter indicates the position of the heating coil with light in a plan view. Specifically, the light emitter has a substantially annular shape in a plan view. In a plan view, the heating coil is arranged inside the light emitter. When the light emitter lights up, a substantially annular light is displayed on the top plate, and the user can know that the heating coil is located inside the light. In other words, the annular light emitted by the light emitter functions as a guide for placing the object to be heated.

[0011] However, the guide using the approximately circular light has room for improvement in terms of indicating the position where an object to be heated, such as a pan, can be heated efficiently. Specifically, when the approximately circular light is displayed, the user can place the object to be heated inside the approximately circular light, but it is difficult to place the object to be heated in an appropriate position for heating it.

[0012] For example, in a heating coil with a circular outer diameter in a plan view, efficient heating can be achieved by placing the object to be heated so that its center is located at the center of the heating coil. In a roughly annular light display, it is difficult to place the object to be heated so that its center is located at the center of the heating coil.

[0013] Heating coil units composed of multiple coil pieces have also been developed. The position of the object to be heated that can be efficiently heated varies depending on the shape, size, or arrangement of the multiple coil pieces. Furthermore, the position of the object to be heated that can be efficiently heated also varies depending on whether the multiple coil pieces are controlled individually or collectively. For this reason, in heating coil units composed of multiple coil pieces, an illuminating indicator that simply indicates the position of the heating coil, such as a substantially annular light, is unable to indicate the appropriate position for efficient heating, and there is room for improvement as a guide for indicating the appropriate position for heating the object to be heated.

[0014] It is also possible to use printed markings on the top surface of the top plate to indicate the position of the object to be heated that will allow for efficient heating. However, in cases where there are multiple appropriate positions for heating, such as in a heating coil unit consisting of multiple coil pieces, multiple printed markings will be displayed on the top plate. In this case, the user may not know which printed marking to use as a reference for placing the object to be heated for what type of heating, and may end up placing the object in an inappropriate position.

[0015] Therefore, the inventors discovered a configuration in which a top plate is irradiated with multiple linear beams of light indicating a reference position that serves as a reference for placing the object to be heated, in order to indicate the appropriate position of the object to be heated for efficient heating, and arrived at the following invention.

[0016] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions and the like do not necessarily correspond to reality.

[0017] It should be noted that, in this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of such features.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) [Overall configuration] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an induction heating cooker 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the XYZ coordinate system shown in the figure is intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and does not limit the invention. The X-axis and Y-axis directions indicate the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the vertical direction.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the induction heating cooker 100 is a cooker that induction heats a cooking container C that contains an object to be cooked T. In this specification, the cooking container C is described as an example of an object to be heated. The object to be heated is not limited to the cooking container C, and may be any object that can be induction heated.

[0020] The induction cooking device 100 has a top plate 1 made of, for example, heat-resistant glass, on which a cooking container C is placed, and a housing 2 attached to the underside of the top plate 1. A heating coil unit 3 and a first light-emitting device 4 are mounted inside the housing 2.

[0021] The heating coil unit 3 is disposed below the top plate 1 and inductively heats the cooking vessel C placed on the top plate 1. That is, the heating coil unit 3 functions as an induction heating coil unit.

[0022] The first light-emitting device 4 is disposed below the top plate 1 and indicates with light the position where the cooking container C should be placed on the top plate 1 in a plan view. The first light-emitting device 4 irradiates the top plate 1 with multiple linear beams of light that indicate a reference position P1, which serves as a reference for placing the cooking container C on the top plate 1, inside the heating region S1 where the heating coil unit 3 is disposed in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first light-emitting device 4 radiates multiple linear beams of light that extend toward the reference position P1 in a plan view.

[0023] In this specification, "plan view" means a view from the vertical direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The "heating region S1" is a region in which the heating coil unit 3 is arranged in a plan view, and is a region that is induction heated by the heating coil unit 3. For example, the heating region S1 is a region that surrounds the outer periphery of the heating coil unit 3 in a plan view.

[0024] In this specification, the "reference position P1" refers to a position for placing and heating a cooking container C, which is an object to be heated, and indicates an appropriate position for efficiently heating the cooking container C. For example, when the center of the cooking container C is aligned with the reference position P1 in a planar view, the cooking container C is efficiently induction-heated by the heating coil unit 3. In this embodiment, the heating region S1 has a circular shape in a planar view, and the reference position P1 indicates the center of the heating region S1 in a planar view.

[0025] The shape of the heating region S1 and / or the reference position P1 are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0026] For example, the heating region S1 may be rectangular, elliptical, or regular polygonal in plan view. When the heating region S1 is rectangular in plan view, the center of the heating region S1 is the intersection of the diagonals. When the heating region S1 is elliptical in plan view, the center of the heating region S1 is the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis. When the heating region S1 is regular polygonal in plan view, the center of the heating region S1 is the center of an inscribed circle that touches all of the outer sides that make up the regular polygon.

[0027] 2 is a control block diagram showing a main control configuration of the induction heating cooker 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the induction heating cooker 100 includes a control unit 5 that controls the heating coil unit 3 and the first light-emitting device 4.

[0028] The control unit 5 includes, for example, a memory that stores a program and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In the control unit 5, the processor executes the program stored in the memory. That is, the control unit 5 includes one or more processors and a memory that stores instructions to be executed by the one or more processors.

[0029] [Example of luminous display] An example of a light emitting display on the top plate 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light emitting display on the top plate 1 in the induction heating cooker 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] 3, in a plan view, multiple linear light beams LT1 pointing to a reference position P1 are displayed on the top plate 1. The multiple linear light beams LT1 are positioned radially at equal intervals inside the heating region S1. The multiple linear light beams LT1 have approximately the same length and width.

[0031] In a planar view, the multiple linear light beams LT1 extend radially from a reference position P1. That is, in a planar view, the multiple linear light beams LT1 extend linearly toward the reference position P1. Alternatively, the multiple linear light beams LT1 extend linearly from the reference position P1 toward the outer periphery of the heated region S1. The reference position P1 is located at a point where multiple extension lines of the multiple linear light beams LT1 intersect.

[0032] In this embodiment, six linear light beams LT1 are displayed on the top plate 1 in a plan view. The angle θ1 between two adjacent light beams LT1 is 60 degrees. The number of the linear light beams LT1 is not limited to six, and may be, for example, two or more.

[0033] In this way, the multiple linear beams of light LT1 indicate the reference position P1 for placing the object to be heated in an appropriate position, allowing the user to easily grasp the appropriate position for heating the object to be heated by looking at the multiple linear beams of light LT1 displayed on the top plate 1.

[0034] [About the internal structure of induction cookers] An example of the internal configuration of the induction heating cooker 100 will be described using Figs. 4-6. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the induction heating cooker 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a schematic enlarged view of a part of the internal configuration of the induction heating cooker 100 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the induction heating cooker 100 shown in Fig. 5 taken along line AA. Figs. 4-6 show an example of the configuration of the heating coil unit 3 and the first light-emitting device 4. For ease of explanation, Fig. 4 omits the illustration of the shielding member 21 shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0035] 4, the heating coil unit 3 includes a plurality of coil pieces 30. The plurality of coil pieces 30 are arranged in a heating region S1 in a plan view where an object to be heated is heated.

[0036] The heating region S1 has multiple coil arrangement regions S11 to S16. The multiple coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 are arranged adjacent to each other and radially around the center C1 of the heating region S1 in a plan view. Specifically, the multiple coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 are defined by multiple boundary lines L11 to L16 that extend radially from the center C1 of the heating region S1 toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and an outer periphery line L10 that defines the outer periphery of the heating region S1. The multiple coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 are formed in a fan shape in a plan view.

[0037] In this embodiment, the boundary lines L11 to L16 are arranged at equal intervals radially from the center C1 of the heating region S1 in a plan view. The boundary lines L11 to L16 are straight lines extending from the center C1 of the heating region S1 toward the periphery in a plan view. The angles formed by two adjacent boundary lines among the boundary lines L11 to L16 are approximately the same. As a result, the coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 have approximately the same shape and approximately the same size in a plan view. In this specification, "approximately" means an error of within 10%, preferably an error of within 5%.

[0038] In this embodiment, the plurality of boundary lines includes six boundary lines L11 to L16, and the angle between two adjacent boundary lines is 60 degrees. As a result, the heating region S1 is divided into six coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 that have approximately the same shape and approximately the same size in a plan view.

[0039] The multiple coil pieces 30 are arranged in multiple coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 in a plan view. Specifically, one coil piece 30 is arranged in one coil arrangement region. As a result, the multiple coil pieces 30 are arranged radially and adjacently within the heating region S1 in a plan view.

[0040] Each of the multiple coil pieces 30 has a coil wire 31 wound and arranged in each of the multiple coil arrangement regions S11 to S16. In a plan view, the coil wire 31 is arranged along two adjacent boundary lines among the multiple boundary lines L11 to L16 and an outer circumferential line L10 connecting the two adjacent boundary lines. Within the coil arrangement regions S11 to S16, the coil wire 31 is arranged along the lines L11 to L16 and L10 that define the coil arrangement regions S11 to S16, and is arranged wound inward.

[0041] In this embodiment, the multiple coil pieces 30 have substantially the same shape and substantially the same size in a plan view.

[0042] The coil pieces 30 arranged in the coil arrangement region S11 will now be described. In a plan view, the coil pieces 30 have a coil wire 31 arranged along two adjacent boundary lines L1, L2 and an outer circumferential line L10 connecting the two adjacent boundary lines L1, L2. The coil wire 31 is made of a conductive material.

[0043] The coil wire 31 is arranged so as to wind around the boundary lines L1, L2 and the outer circumferential line L10 within the coil arrangement region S11 in a plan view. The coil wire 31 is arranged in a frame shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, since the coil arrangement region S11 is formed in a fan shape in a plan view, the outer shape of the coil wire 31 is also formed in a fan shape in a plan view.

[0044] The coil wire 31 is formed by winding a plurality of turns of a bundle of twisted metal wires. For example, the coil wire 31 is formed by winding approximately 60 turns of approximately 20 twisted copper wires, each 0.2 mm in diameter. The diameter of the metal wire is not limited to 0.2 mm and may be set as appropriate. For example, the diameter of the metal wire may be selected as appropriate within a range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. The material of the metal wire is not limited to copper and may be, for example, aluminum or a copper-aluminum clad material. The number of wires in the bundle (i.e., the so-called core number) is not limited to 20 and may be selected as appropriate. For example, the number of cores may be selected as appropriate within a range of 5 to 50. The number of turns of the coil wire 31 is not limited to 10 and may be set as appropriate. For example, the number of turns may be selected as appropriate within a range of 5 to 20.

[0045] The coil pieces 30 arranged in the coil arrangement regions S12 to S16 are similar to the coil pieces 30 arranged in the coil arrangement region S11.

[0046] A gap SP1 is formed between two adjacent coil pieces 30 among the coil pieces 30 arranged in the coil arrangement regions S11 to S16. That is, the coil pieces 30 are arranged with the gap SP1 between them in a plan view. The coil pieces 30 are also arranged radially in a plan view and at equal intervals.

[0047] The multiple coil pieces 30 may be controlled collectively or individually by the control unit 5. For example, the control unit 5 may perform induction heating by supplying current to all of the coil pieces 30. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may perform induction heating by supplying current to three of the six coil pieces 30 that are not adjacent to each other.

[0048] The first light emitting device 4 is configured to irradiate the top plate 1 with a plurality of linear beams of light LT1 from gaps SP1 between the plurality of coil pieces 30. As shown in Fig. 4, the first light emitting device 4 is disposed in the gaps SP1 between the plurality of coil pieces 30 in a plan view, and irradiates the top plate 1 above the gaps SP1 with a plurality of linear beams of light LT1.

[0049] In this embodiment, six gaps SP1 are formed because the heating coil unit 3 is composed of six coil pieces 30. A first light-emitting device 4 is disposed in each of the six gaps SP1. Note that the numbers of coil pieces 30 and first light-emitting devices 4 are not limited to these.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first light emitting device 4 includes a light emitting element 41 and a light guide .

[0051] The light-emitting element 41 is an element that emits light LT11. For example, the light-emitting element 41 is an LED. The light-emitting element 41 is mounted on a substrate 43. For example, the substrate 43 is a control substrate that controls the light-emitting element 41. The substrate 43 has a mounting surface that extends in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the top plate 1. The light-emitting element 41 is mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate 43, and emits light toward the center C1 of the heating region S1 in a plan view.

[0052] The light guide 42 guides the light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41 to the top plate 1. The light guide 42 is disposed in a gap SP1 between the multiple coil pieces 30. In a plan view, the light guide 42 is disposed inside the heating region S1 relative to the light emitting element 41, and extends in the gap SP1 toward the center C1 of the heating region S1.

[0053] The light guide 42 has a light guide path 42a that continuously curves in a direction approaching the top plate 1 as it moves away from the light emitting element 41. For example, the light guide path 42a is a groove provided in the light guide 42, and has the property of reflecting or guiding light. For example, the light guide path 42a is made of a transparent resin. For example, the light guide path 42a may be made of a filler such as PAR (polyarylate), PC (polycarbonate), TPX (polymethylpentene), PEI (polyimide), silicone or epoxy resin, or glass such as soda glass or borosilicate glass.

[0054] In a plan view, the light guide 42a extends from the light emitting element 41 toward the center C1 of the heating region S1. The depth of the light guide 42a in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the top plate 1 decreases continuously with increasing distance from the light emitting element 41. For example, the cross section of the light guide 42a taken along the YZ plane is substantially arc-shaped, and the cross section taken along the XZ plane is U-shaped.

[0055] The light guide 42a guides the light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41, and displays linear light LT1 on the top plate 1 above the light guide 42a. The light guide 42a is continuously curved in a direction approaching the top plate 1 as it moves away from the light emitting element 41, so that the light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41 is gradually guided toward the top plate 1. In this way, the light guide 42a changes the light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41 into linear light LT1.

[0056] The first light-emitting device 4 is controlled by the control unit 5. Before the heating coil unit 3 starts heating, the control unit 5 causes the first light-emitting device 4 to irradiate the top plate 1 with a plurality of linear beams of light LT1. That is, before the object to be heated is placed in the heating region S1, the first light-emitting device 4 irradiates the object with a plurality of linear beams of light LT1 and indicates a reference position P1 that indicates the position where the object to be heated should be placed.

[0057] For example, the induction heating cooker 100 includes a sensor that detects an object to be heated. The control unit 5 determines whether or not the object to be heated is placed in the heating region S1 based on the detection result of the sensor. When it is determined that the object to be heated is not placed in the heating region S1, the control unit 5 causes the first light-emitting device 4 to irradiate the top plate 1 with a plurality of linear light beams LT1.

[0058] 5 and 6, the heating coil unit 3 is covered by a shielding member 21 in plan view. The shielding member 21 shields the heating coil unit 3 so that magnetic flux or noise from the heating coil unit 3 does not escape to the outside of the heating coil unit 3. The shielding member 21 is a plate-shaped conductive member and has an annular shape in plan view. For example, the shielding member 21 is made of aluminum.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first light-emitting device 4 is disposed inside the shielding member 21 in plan view. When the shielding member 21 is made of a material that does not transmit light, there is an advantage that the light LT11 of the light-emitting element 41 does not leak outside the heating coil unit 3.

[0060] [effect] The induction heating cooker 100 according to the first embodiment has the following advantages.

[0061] The induction heating cooker 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a top plate 1, a heating coil unit 3, and a first light-emitting device 4. An object to be heated is placed on the top plate 1. The heating coil unit 3 is disposed below the top plate 1 and induction-heats the object to be heated. The first light-emitting device 4 is disposed below the top plate 1. The first light-emitting device 4 is configured to irradiate the top plate 1 with a plurality of linear lights LT1 that indicate a reference position P1, which serves as a reference for the position at which the object to be heated is placed and heated, at least inside the heating region S1 in which the heating coil unit 3 is disposed in a plan view.

[0062] This configuration makes it possible to indicate an appropriate position for heating an object to be heated. Specifically, the induction cooking device 100 indicates a reference position P1, which indicates a position on the top plate 1 where the object to be heated can be efficiently heated, by using a plurality of linear lights LT1. This allows the user to easily grasp the location of the reference position P1 by looking at the plurality of linear lights LT1. For example, the user can easily recognize that the reference position P1 is at a position where a plurality of extension lines of the plurality of linear lights LT1 intersect. Therefore, the user can easily place the object to be heated in an appropriate position on the top plate 1 for heating by locating the center of the object to be heated near the reference position P1 in a plan view.

[0063] For example, in a heating region S1 that is circular in plan view, efficient heating can be achieved by locating the center of the object to be heated at the center C1 of the heating region S1. In this case, a reference position P1 is set at a position that overlaps with the center C1 of the heating region S1 in plan view. By having multiple linear beams of light LT1 point to the reference position P1, the user can easily locate the center of the object to be heated at the reference position P1. This allows the object to be heated efficiently.

[0064] The heating coil unit 3 includes a plurality of coil pieces 30 arranged with gaps SP1 between them in a plan view. The first light emitting device 4 is configured to irradiate a plurality of linear beams of light LT1 onto the top plate 1 from the gaps SP1 between the plurality of coil pieces 30. With this configuration, the gaps SP1 between the plurality of coil pieces 30 can be effectively utilized to irradiate a plurality of linear beams of light LT1 onto the top plate 1.

[0065] The first light emitting device 4 includes a light emitting element 41 and a light guide 42 that guides light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41 to the top plate 1. With this configuration, linear light LT1 that is irradiated onto the top plate 1 can be easily formed.

[0066] The light guide 42 is disposed in the gap SP1 between the multiple coil pieces 30, and has a light guide path 42a that curves continuously in a direction approaching the top plate 1 as it moves away from the light emitting element 41. With this configuration, the gap SP1 can be effectively utilized to easily irradiate multiple linear beams of light LT1 onto the top plate 1. Furthermore, by disposing the light guide 42 in the gap SP1, the configuration including the heating coil unit 3 and the first light emitting device 4 can be made smaller.

[0067] The induction cooking appliance 100 further includes a control unit 5 that controls the heating coil unit 3 and the first light-emitting device 4. Before the heating coil unit 3 starts heating, the control unit 5 causes the first light-emitting device 4 to irradiate the top plate 1 with a plurality of linear beams of light LT1. With this configuration, before placing the object to be heated in the heating region S1 and heating it, the plurality of linear beams of light LT1 can indicate a reference position P1 indicating the position where the object to be heated should be placed. This allows the user to easily determine the appropriate position for heating the object to be heated before heating it.

[0068] The multiple coil pieces 30 are arranged radially and at equal intervals in a plan view. With this configuration, the multiple linear lights LT1 irradiated from the gap SP1 toward the top plate 1 are also displayed radially and at equal intervals in a plan view. This makes it possible to clearly indicate the appropriate position for heating the object to be heated. As a result, the user can easily understand the appropriate position for heating the object by looking at the multiple linear lights LT1 displayed radially and at equal intervals. Furthermore, since the multiple linear lights LT1 are displayed radially and at equal intervals on the top plate 1, the design can be improved.

[0069] The heating region S1 has multiple coil arrangement regions S11-S16 defined by multiple boundary lines L11-L16 extending radially from the center C1 of the heating region S1 toward the periphery in a planar view and a periphery line L10 that defines the periphery of the heating region S1. The multiple coil pieces 30 are arranged within the multiple coil arrangement regions S11-S16 in a planar view. Each of the multiple coil pieces 30 has a coil wire 31 that is arranged along two adjacent boundary lines L11-L16 and a periphery line connecting the two adjacent boundary lines in a planar view. With this configuration, even in a heating coil unit 3 configured with multiple coil pieces 30, a reference position P1 that serves as a reference for an appropriate position for heating an object to be heated can be indicated by multiple linear lights LT1.

[0070] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating coil unit 3 is configured with a plurality of coil pieces 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heating coil unit 3 may be configured with a single coil.

[0071] In the present embodiment, an example in which the number of the plurality of coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 is six has been described, but this is not limiting. Also, an example in which the number of the plurality of coil pieces 30 is six has been described, but this is not limiting. The number of the plurality of coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 and the number of the plurality of coil pieces 30 may be designed arbitrarily.

[0072] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the multiple coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 have substantially the same shape and the same size, but this is not limiting. For example, the multiple coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 may have different shapes and / or different sizes.

[0073] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the multiple coil pieces 30 have substantially the same shape and substantially the same size, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the multiple coil pieces 30 may have different shapes and / or different sizes.

[0074] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the light emitting element 41 is disposed outside the light guide 42 in the first light emitting device 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light emitting element 41 may be disposed inside the light guide 42. Specifically, the light emitting element 41 may be disposed at the center C1 of the heating region S1 in a plan view. In this case, the light emitting element 41 may emit light LT11 in a direction from the inside to the outside of the heating region S1.

[0075] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the lengths and widths of the multiple linear light beams LT1 are approximately equal, but this is not limiting. For example, the lengths and widths of the multiple linear light beams LT1 may be different.

[0076] <Variation 1> Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on the top plate 1 in Modification 1. As shown in Fig. 7, a plurality of linear lights LT1 may be displayed at a position rotated by approximately 30 degrees in plan view compared to the light-emitting display in Embodiment 1.

[0077] (Embodiment 2) Second Embodiment An induction heating cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0078] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the second embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on the top plate 1 of the induction heating cooker 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a schematic enlarged view showing a part of the internal configuration of the induction heating cooker 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that multiple linear beams of light LT1 extend outside the heating region S1, and the first light emitting device 4A has a light emitting element 41B and a light guide 42B outside the heating region S1.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, in a plan view, a plurality of linear light beams LT1 are displayed on the top plate 1 so as to extend continuously inside and outside the heating region S1.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9, the first light-emitting device 4A includes a light-emitting element 41A, a light guide 42A, and a substrate 43A that are arranged in a gap SP1 inside the heating region S1, as well as a light-emitting element 41B, a light guide 42B, and a substrate 43B that are arranged outside the heating region S1.

[0083] In this embodiment, the light emitting element 41A, the light guide 42A, and the substrate 43A are separated by a shield member 21 from the light emitting element 41B, the light guide 42B, and the substrate 43B.

[0084] The light emitting element 41A, light guide 42A, and substrate 43A are the same as the light emitting element 41, light guide 42, and substrate 43 of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] The light-emitting element 41B is disposed outside the heating region S1 and emits light LT12 in the opposite direction to that of the light-emitting element 41A. That is, the light-emitting element 41B emits light LT12 in a direction from the heating region S1 toward the outside in a plan view. The light-emitting element 41B is mounted on a substrate 43B. The configurations of the light-emitting element 41B and the substrate 43B are similar to those of the light-emitting element 41A and the substrate 43A, respectively.

[0086] The light guide 42B guides the light LT12 emitted from the light emitting element 41B to the top plate 1. The light guide 42B has a light guide path 42b that curves continuously in a direction approaching the top plate 1 in the thickness direction of the top plate 1 as it moves away from the light emitting element 41B in a direction from the inside to the outside of the heating region S1. The configuration of the light guide path 42b of the light guide 42B is similar to the configuration of the light guide path 42a of the light guide 42A.

[0087] In plan view, the first light emitting device 4A emits light LT11 and LT12 from the light emitting elements 41A and 41B toward the inside and outside of the heating region S1, and the light emitting elements 42A and 42B irradiate the light onto the top plate 1. As a result, the first light emitting device 4A displays, on the top plate 1, a plurality of linear light beams LT1 that extend continuously inside and outside the heating region S1 in plan view.

[0088] [effect] According to the induction heating cooker 100 according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0089] In the induction heating cooker 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the first light emitting device 4A irradiates the top plate 1 with a plurality of linear light beams LT1 in a plan view so as to extend continuously inside and outside the heating region S1.

[0090] For example, the first light emitting device 4A includes a light emitting element 41A arranged in a gap SP1 between the multiple coil pieces 30 inside the heating region S1, and a light guide 42A that guides light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41A to the top plate 1. The light guide 42A has a light guide path 42a that curves continuously in a direction approaching the top plate 1 as it moves away from the light emitting element 41 in a direction from the outside to the inside of the heating region S1.

[0091] The first light emitting device 4A is disposed outside the heating region S1 and includes a light emitting element 41B that emits light LT12 in the opposite direction to the light emitting element 41A, and a light guide 42B that guides the light LT12 emitted from the light emitting element 41B to the top plate 1. The light guide 42B has a light guide path 42b that curves continuously in a direction approaching the top plate 1 as it moves away from the light emitting element 41B in a direction from the inside to the outside of the heating region S1.

[0092] With this configuration, a plurality of linear light beams LT1 that extend continuously from the inside to the outside of the heating area S1 in a plan view can be displayed on the top plate 1. This makes it easier to indicate the appropriate position for heating the heating object.

[0093] In addition, multiple linear lights LT1 are also displayed outside the heating area S1, so that even if, for example, a pot, which is the object to be heated, is placed inside the heating area S1, the object to be heated can be placed in an appropriate position by looking at the multiple linear lights LT1 displayed outside the heating area S1.

[0094] <Variation 2> Fig. 10 is a schematic enlarged view of a part of the first light emitting device 4B of Modification 2. Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first light emitting device 4B shown in Fig. 10 taken along line BB.

[0095] 10 to 12, in the first light emitting device 4B, the light emitting element 41A and the light emitting element 41B may be mounted on a single substrate 43. In this case, a first notch 22 may be provided in the shielding member 21. The first notch 22 is formed by partially cutting away the lower part of the shielding member 21 located in the gap SP1.

[0096] A substrate 43 is disposed in the first cutout 22. Light emitting elements 41A and 41B are mounted on the substrate 43. Specifically, the substrate 43 has a first main surface PS1 and a second main surface PS2 facing the first main surface PS1. The light emitting element 41A is mounted on the first main surface PS1 of the substrate 43, and the light emitting element 41B is mounted on the second main surface PS2 of the substrate 43.

[0097] In this way, the first cutout 22 is provided in the lower part of the shielding member 21, and the light emitting elements 41A and 41B are mounted on one substrate 43 placed in the first cutout 22. With this configuration, the number of parts of the first light emitting device 4B can be reduced.

[0098] <Variation 3> Fig. 12 is a schematic enlarged view of a part of the first light emitting device 4C of Modification 3. Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first light emitting device 4C shown in Fig. 12 taken along line CC.

[0099] 12 and 13, in a first light emitting device 4C, light emitting elements 41A and 41B may be mounted on a single substrate 43, and may emit light LT11, LT12 toward the top plate 1. A light guide 42C has light guide paths 42a, 42b that guide light LT11, LT12 emitted from the light emitting elements 41A, 41B toward the top plate 1 inside and outside the heating region S1. In this case, a second notch 23 may be provided in the shield member 21. The second notch 23 is formed by cutting away a portion of the upper part of the shield member 21 corresponding to the gap SP1.

[0100] The light guide 42C is disposed across the second cutout 23. Specifically, the light guide 42C has a light guide plate 42c disposed in the second cutout 23. The light guide plate 42c guides the light LT11 and LT12 emitted from the light emitting elements 41A and 41B to the top plate 1.

[0101] With this configuration, it is possible to display on the top plate 1 a plurality of linear beams of light LT1 that extend continuously inside and outside the heating region S1 while suppressing unevenness in the light.

[0102] (Embodiment 3) An induction heating cooker according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] In the third embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the third embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0104] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light emitting display on a top plate 1A in an induction heating cooker 100 according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a top plate 1A in an induction heating cooker 100 according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

[0105] The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a plurality of dot-like lights LT13 arranged in a straight line are displayed on the top plate 1A.

[0106] 14, a plurality of dot-like lights LT13 are displayed lined up in a straight line inside and outside the heating region S1 on the top plate 1A. In a plan view, the dot-like lights LT13 have, for example, a circular shape.

[0107] In this embodiment, the number of the plurality of point-like lights LT13 is nine. Note that the number of the plurality of point-like lights LT13 is not limited to this. In this embodiment, there are six rows of nine point-like lights LT13, which are arranged radially from the reference position P1.

[0108] The top plate 1A is configured to change a plurality of linear light beams LT1 emitted from the first light-emitting device 4 into a plurality of linearly arranged dot-like light beams LT13. As shown in Fig. 15, the top plate 1A has a light-shielding surface 11 on the side where the heating coil unit 3 is arranged.

[0109] The light-shielding surface 11 is a surface that blocks light, and is formed, for example, by printing a light-shielding coating film. The light-shielding surface 11 is provided with a plurality of transmitting sections 12. The plurality of transmitting sections 12 are portions that transmit light. The plurality of transmitting sections 12 are arranged linearly from the reference position P1 toward the outside of the heating region S1 in a planar view. For example, the plurality of transmitting sections 12 are arranged radially and at equal intervals in a planar view. Each of the plurality of transmitting sections 12 has a circular shape in a planar view.

[0110] The plurality of transmission portions 12 transmit the plurality of linear light beams LT1 emitted from the first light emitting device 4B, thereby changing the light beams into a plurality of dot-like light beams LT13 arranged in a line.

[0111] [effect] According to the induction heating cooker 100 according to the third embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0112] In the induction heating cooker 100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the top plate 1A is configured to change a plurality of linear light beams LT1 emitted from the first light emitting device 4A into a plurality of dot-like light beams LT13 arranged in a line.

[0113] For example, the top plate 1A has a light-shielding surface 11 that blocks light on the side where the heating coil unit 3 is arranged. A plurality of light-transmitting portions 12 that transmit light are provided on the light-shielding surface 11. In a plan view, the plurality of light-transmitting portions 12 are arranged in a straight line toward the outside of the heating region S1, with the reference position P1 as the center.

[0114] With this configuration, a plurality of dot-like light LT13 arranged in a straight line can be displayed on the top plate 1A. Even with this configuration, the plurality of dot-like light LT13 can indicate the appropriate position for heating the object to be heated. Furthermore, when a user places an object to be heated, such as a pot, on the top plate 1A, the user can more easily determine the appropriate position for heating the object to be heated by recognizing the number of visible dot-like light LT13. In other words, if the user can see the same number of visible dot-like light LT13 in each of the six columns, the user can determine that the object to be heated is placed in the center of the heating area S1.

[0115] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the plurality of transmission portions 12 and the point-like light LT13 have a circular shape in a plan view, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of transmission portions 12 and the point-like light LT13 may have a rectangular, elliptical, or polygonal shape.

[0116] (Fourth embodiment) An induction heating cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0117] In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the fourth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0118] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light emitting display on a top plate in induction heating cooker 100 according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 17 is a control block diagram showing a main control configuration of induction heating cooker 100 according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

[0119] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a second light emitting device 6 that irradiates the top plate 1 with annular light LT21 that surrounds the outside of the heating region S1.

[0120] In this embodiment, the multiple linear light beams LT11 emitted from the first light emitting device 4 are referred to as first light LT11, and the annular light beam LT21 emitted from the second light emitting device 6 is referred to as second light LT21.

[0121] 16, the second light LT21 that surrounds the outside of the heating region S1 in plan view is displayed on the top plate 1. In plan view, the second light LT21 is displayed in the shape of a ring with the reference position P1 as its center. The second light LT21 is formed by a plurality of point-like lights arranged at equal intervals.

[0122] 17, the induction cooking appliance 100 includes a second light emitting device 6 that emits a second light LT21. The second light emitting device 6 is disposed below the top plate 1. The second light emitting device 6 is configured to irradiate the top plate 1 with one or more lights LT21 outside the heating region S1 in plan view.

[0123] The second light emitting device 6 is arranged in a circular ring shape in a plan view so as to surround the outside of the heating region S1. For example, the second light emitting device 6 is an LED.

[0124] The second light emitting device 6 is controlled by the control unit 5 .

[0125] [effect] According to the induction heating cooker 100 of the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0126] The induction heating cooker 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure includes a second light-emitting device 6 that is arranged below the top plate 1 and configured to irradiate one or more lights LT21 onto the top plate 1 outside the heating area S1 in a plan view.

[0127] For example, the second light emitting device 6 is disposed in a circular ring shape that is larger than the heating region S1 in a plan view, and emits a circular light LT21 that surrounds the outside of the heating region S1 on the top plate 1.

[0128] With this configuration, the range in which the object to be heated should be placed can be displayed by the light LT21 emitted from the second light-emitting device 6. As a result, the appropriate position for the object to be heated can be more intuitively and easily indicated by the plurality of linear lights LT1 emitted from the first light-emitting device 4 and the light LT21 emitted from the second light-emitting device 6.

[0129] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the light LT21 emitted from the second light emitting device 6 has an annular shape in a plan view, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0130] <Variation 4> Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on the top plate 1 in Modification 4. As shown in Fig. 18, the second light-emitting device 6 may irradiate the top plate 1 with a plurality of linear light beams LT22 that sandwich the heating region S1 in a plan view. For example, the second light-emitting device 6 may irradiate three linear light beams LT22 on each side of the heating region S0.

[0131] (Embodiment 5) An induction heating cooker according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0132] In the fifth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the fifth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the fifth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0133] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of an induction heating cooker according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the light guide of the first light emitting device 4D is formed of a lens 44.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 19, in the first light emitting device 4D, the light guide is a lens 44 that refracts light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41 toward the top plate 1.

[0136] The lens 44 refracts the light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41 so that it becomes linear light LT1.

[0137] [effect] According to the induction heating cooker 100 of the fifth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0138] In induction heating cooker 100 according to embodiment 5 of the present disclosure, the light guide of first light-emitting device 4D is lens 44 that refracts light LT11 emitted from light-emitting element 41 toward top plate 1. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the size of first light-emitting device 4D.

[0139] Although the example in which the light guide is the lens 44 has been described, the light guide may be, for example, a mirror that reflects the light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41 toward the top plate 1. Even with this configuration, the first light emitting device 4D can be made smaller.

[0140] (Embodiment 6) An induction heating cooker according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0141] In the sixth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the sixth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the sixth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0142] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of induction heating cooker 100 according to embodiment 6 of the present disclosure. Fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an internal configuration of induction heating cooker 100 according to embodiment 6 of the present disclosure.

[0143] The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the light emitting element 41 is disposed at the center C1 of the heating region S1 in a plan view, and the light guide 42 is configured to extend radially from the center C1 of the heating region S1.

[0144] 20, in the first light emitting device 4E, the light emitting element 41 is disposed at the center C1 of the heating region S1 in a plan view. In a plan view, the center C1 of the heating region S1 is located at a position overlapping with the reference position P1. In a plan view, the light guide 42 is disposed on a line extending outward from the center C1 of the heating region S1, inside the heating region S1. Specifically, in a plan view, the light guide 42 is disposed on a line extending radially from the center C1 of the heating region S1.

[0145] The light guide 42 includes a plurality of light guide paths 42 a and a lens 44 .

[0146] The plurality of light guide paths 42a are continuously curved in a direction approaching the top plate 1 as they move away from the light emitting element 41. The plurality of light guide paths 42a are continuously curved in a direction approaching the top plate 1 as they move outward from the center C1 of the heating region S1.

[0147] The lens 44 is disposed above the light emitting element 41. The lens 44 refracts the light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41 toward the light guide path 42a. As a result, the light LT11 emitted from the light emitting element 41 is refracted by the lens 44, guided to the light guide path 42a, and directed to the top plate 1.

[0148] [effect] According to the induction heating cooker 100 of the sixth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0149] In a first light-emitting device 4E of an induction heating cooker 100 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, the light-emitting element 41 is disposed at the center C1 of the heating region S1 in a plan view. The light guide 42 includes a plurality of light guide paths 42a and a lens 44. The plurality of light guide paths 42a are disposed on a line extending outward from the center C1 of the heating region S1 in a plan view, and continuously curve in a direction approaching the top plate 1 with increasing distance from the light-emitting element 41. The lens 44 refracts light LT11 emitted from the light-emitting element 41 toward the plurality of light guide paths 42a.

[0150] With this configuration, the number of light emitting elements 41 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0151] In the present embodiment, an example in which the light guide 42 includes the lens 44 has been described, but for example, instead of the lens 44, a mirror may be included.

[0152] In the present embodiment, the light emitting element 41 is described as being disposed at the center C1 of the heating region S1 in a plan view, but the light emitting element 41 may be disposed at a position that overlaps with the reference position P1 in a plan view. Furthermore, the light guide 42 may be disposed on a line that extends outward from the reference position P1 in a plan view.

[0153] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the light guide 42 is disposed inside the heating region S1 in a plan view, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light guide 42 may be disposed on a line extending outward from the reference position P1 in a plan view, and on both the inside and outside of the heating region S1.

[0154] Furthermore, the light guide 42 may be disposed on a line extending outward from the vicinity of the reference position P1 in a plan view.

[0155] (Embodiment 7) An induction heating cooker according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0156] In the seventh embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. In the seventh embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the seventh embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0157] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light emitting display on the top plate 1 of the induction heating cooker 100 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] The seventh embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that, while the heating coil unit 3 is heating the object to be heated, the plurality of linear lights LT1 inside the heating region S1 are turned off.

[0159] 22, while the heating coil unit 3 is heating, the control unit 5 turns off the multiple linear lights LT1 that are irradiated from the first light emitting device 4A onto the top plate 1 inside the heating region S1 in a plan view. For example, while the object to be heated is placed in the heating region S1 and is being heated, the first light emitting device 4A turns off the light LT11 that is emitted from the light emitting element 41A toward the inside of the heating region S1 (see FIG. 9).

[0160] [effect] According to the induction heating cooker 100 of the seventh embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0161] In the induction heating cooker 100 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 5 turns off the multiple linear lights LT1 irradiated from the first light-emitting device 4 to the top plate 1 inside the heating area S1 in a planar view while the heating coil unit 3 is heating.

[0162] With this configuration, the power consumption of the first light emitting device 4A can be reduced, thereby saving energy.

[0163] In the present embodiment, the controller 5 turns off the linear light beams LT1 emitted from the first light-emitting device 4A, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the controller 5 may reduce the brightness of the linear light beams LT1 emitted from the first light-emitting device 4A.

[0164] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the multiple linear light beams LT1 extend to the outside of the heated region S1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the multiple linear light beams LT1 may be displayed only inside the heated region S1.

[0165] <Variation 5> Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on the top plate 1 in Modification 5. As shown in Fig. 23, while the heating coil unit 3 is heating, the control unit 5 may turn off the multiple linear lights LT1 irradiated from the first light-emitting device 4A to the top plate 1 at a position inside a position that is a predetermined distance D1 away from the outside of the heating region S1 in a plan view.

[0166] For example, the predetermined distance D1 is equal to or greater than 10 mm and equal to or less than 14 mm. Preferably, the predetermined distance D1 is equal to or greater than 11 mm and equal to or less than 13 mm. More preferably, the predetermined distance D1 is 12 mm.

[0167] For example, the light emitting element 41A may be arranged at a position a predetermined distance D1 away from the heating region S1 in a plan view, and configured to emit light LT11 toward the center C1 of the heating region S1.

[0168] Even with this configuration, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the first light-emitting device 4A and save energy. Furthermore, when heating an object that is larger in diameter than the heating region S1 in plan view, the multiple linear lights LT1 in the region outside the heating region S1 where the object is placed can be turned off, thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0169] (Embodiment 8) An induction heating cooker according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0170] In the eighth embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. In the eighth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the eighth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0171] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of the induction heating cooker 100 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] Embodiment 8 differs from embodiment 2 in that the heating coil unit 3A is composed of a plurality of coil pieces 30 arranged in a first heating region S1 and a second heating region S2. Also, embodiment 8 differs from embodiment 2 in that the first light-emitting device 4A is arranged in a first gap SP1 between the plurality of first coil pieces 30A arranged in the first heating region S1, a second gap SP2 between the plurality of second coil pieces 30B arranged in the second heating region S2, and a third gap SP3 between the first heating region S1 and the second heating region S2.

[0173] 24, the heating coil unit 3A includes a plurality of coils 3AA, 3AB. In a plan view, the plurality of coils 3AA, 3AB are arranged in a first heating region S1 and a second heating region S2 that heat an object to be heated. In this specification, the coil 3AA arranged in the first heating region S1 is referred to as the first coil 3AA, and the coil 3AB arranged in the second heating region S2 is referred to as the second coil 3AB.

[0174] The first heating region S1 is a region where the first coil 3AA is arranged. The first heating region S1 is the same as the heating region S1 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0175] The second heating region S2 is a region provided around the first heating region S1 in a plan view, and is a region where the second coil 3AB is disposed. The second heating region S2 is provided further back than the first heating region S1 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction). The second heating region S2 has a fan shape with a center C2 in a plan view. In the second heating region S2, the central angle formed by two straight lines extending from the center C2 of the circle toward the outer periphery is, for example, 180° or more and 300° or less. In this embodiment, the central angle is 240°. In the second heating region S2, the two straight lines extending from the center C2 of the circle toward the outer periphery correspond to the second boundary lines L21 and L25. In a plan view, the second outer periphery line L20, which is an arc, is not provided between the second boundary lines L21 and L25. Therefore, in a plan view, the second heating region S2 is not provided between the second boundary lines L21 and L25.

[0176] The second heating region S2 is provided so as to surround a portion of the first heating region S1 in plan view. Specifically, the second heating region S2 is arranged around the first heating region S1 so that the two second boundary lines L21, L25 defining the second heating region S2 are arranged around the first perimeter line L10 of the first heating region S1 in plan view. In other words, the first heating region S1 is arranged in a portion between the second boundary lines L21, L25 defining the perimeter of the second heating region S2, but where the second heating region S2 is not provided, in plan view.

[0177] The second heating region S2 has a plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21-S24. The second coil arrangement regions S21-S24 are arranged adjacent to each other and radially around the center C2 of the second heating region S2 in a plan view. Specifically, the second coil arrangement regions S21-S24 are defined by a plurality of second boundary lines L21-L25 that extend radially from the center C2 of the second heating region S2 toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and a second outer periphery line L20 that defines the outer periphery of the arc portion of the second heating region S2.

[0178] The second boundary lines L21 to L25 are arranged at equal intervals radially from the center C2 of the second heating region S2 in a plan view. The second boundary lines L21 to L25 are straight lines extending from the center C2 of the second heating region S2 toward the outer periphery in a plan view. The angles formed by two adjacent second boundary lines L21 to L25 are substantially the same. As a result, the second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 have substantially the same shape and dimensions in a plan view.

[0179] In this embodiment, the plurality of second boundary lines include five second boundary lines L21 to L25, and the angle between two adjacent second boundary lines is 60 degrees. As a result, the second heating region S2 is divided into four second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24, which have approximately the same shape and dimensions in a plan view.

[0180] The first coil 3AA arranged in the first heating region S1 includes a plurality of first coil pieces 30A. The plurality of first coil pieces 30A are arranged in a plurality of first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16, respectively, in a plan view. Specifically, in the first heating region S1, one first coil piece 30A is arranged in one first coil arrangement region. As a result, the plurality of first coil pieces 30A are arranged radially and adjacently within the first heating region S1 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first coil 3AA has six first coil pieces 30A.

[0181] The first coil piece 30A has a first coil wire 31A wound and arranged in the first coil arrangement region S11. The first coil wire 31A is similar to the coil wire 31 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0182] The second coil 3AB arranged in the second heating region S2 has a plurality of second coil pieces 30B. The plurality of second coil pieces 30B are arranged in a plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24, respectively, in a plan view. Specifically, in the second heating region S2, one second coil piece 30B is arranged in one second coil arrangement region. As a result, the plurality of second coil pieces 30B are arranged radially and adjacently within the second heating region S2 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the second coil 3AB has four second coil pieces 30B.

[0183] The second coil piece 30B is substantially the same as the above-described first coil piece 30A.

[0184] Each of the plurality of second coil pieces 30B has a second coil wire 31B wound and arranged in each of the plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24.

[0185] The second coil wire 31B is arranged along two adjacent second boundary lines among the plurality of second boundary lines L21 to L25 in plan view. Specifically, the second coil wire 31B is arranged along two adjacent second boundary lines and a second outer circumferential line L20 connecting the two adjacent second boundary lines in plan view, and is wound inward.

[0186] In this embodiment, the multiple second coil pieces 30B have substantially the same shape and dimensions in a plan view. The second coil pieces 30B also have substantially the same shape and dimensions as the first coil pieces 30A. That is, each of the multiple second coil pieces 30B has a sector shape in a plan view.

[0187] In a plan view, the multiple first coil pieces 30A arranged in the first heating region S1 and the multiple second coil pieces 30B arranged in the second heating region S2 are arranged symmetrically. Specifically, the multiple first coil pieces 30A and the multiple second coil pieces 30B are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line CL1 that passes through the center C1 of the first heating region S1 and the center C2 of the second heating region S2.

[0188] In the heating coil unit 3A, the first coil pieces 30A are arranged with a first gap SP1 between them. The second coil pieces 30B are arranged with a second gap SP2 between them. In this embodiment, the first gap SP1 and the second gap SP2 are approximately equal in size.

[0189] In a plan view, a third gap SP3 is provided between the first heating region S1 and the second heating region S2. In the example shown in Fig. 24, the third gap SP3 is provided between the first coil arrangement regions S11, S12 and the second coil arrangement regions S21, S24.

[0190] The first light emitting device 4A is configured to irradiate a plurality of linear beams of light LT1 onto the top plate 1 from the first gap SP1, the second gap SP2, and the third gap SP3. Specifically, the first light emitting device 4A is disposed in the first gap SP1, the second gap SP2, and the third gap SP3. The configuration of the first light emitting device 4A is the same as that of the second embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0191] In this embodiment, the first light emitting devices 4A are arranged in six first gaps SP1, three second gaps SP2, and two third gaps SP3.

[0192] Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of light emitting displays on the top plate 1 in the induction heating cooker 100 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 25, the first light emitting device 4A irradiates a plurality of linear beams of light LT1 upward into the first gap SP1, the second gap SP2, and the third gap SP3.

[0193] The first light-emitting device 4A disposed in the first gap SP1 irradiates the top plate 1 with a plurality of linear light beams LT1A and LT1C that indicate a first reference position P1 located at the center C1 of the first heating region S1 in a plan view. The linear light beams LT1C are linear light beams emitted from a first gap SP1 between two first coil arrangement regions S11 and S12 that are disposed on the second heating region S2 side in the first heating region S1. The first gap SP1 between the two first coil arrangement regions S11 and S12 is provided along a line CL1 that passes through the center C1 of the first heating region S1 and the center C2 of the second heating region S2 in a plan view.

[0194] The first light emitting device 4A disposed in the second gap SP2 and the third gap SP3 emits a plurality of linear beams of light LT1B pointing to a second reference position P2 located at the center C2 of the second heating region S2 in a plan view.

[0195] In this embodiment, the linear light LT1C is displayed between the first reference position P1 and the second reference position P2 in a plan view on the top plate 1. Therefore, the linear light LT1C can point to the first reference position P1 or the second reference position P2 in a plan view.

[0196] For example, when heating is performed using all coil pieces 30A, 30B of the first coil 3AA and the second coil 3AB, the appropriate position for heating the object to be heated is a position between the first reference position P1 and the second reference position P2 in a planar view.

[0197] Furthermore, for example, if heating is not performed using multiple second coil pieces 30B in the second heating region S2, but is performed using all first coil pieces 30A in the first heating region S1, the appropriate position for heating the object to be heated is the first reference position P1 in a planar view.

[0198] Furthermore, for example, when heating is performed using all of the second coil pieces 30B in the second heating region S2 and the two first coil pieces 30A in the first heating region S1 adjacent to the second heating region S2, the appropriate position for heating the heating object is the second reference position P2 in a plan view. The two first coil pieces 30A in the first heating region S1 adjacent to the second heating region S2 are the first coil pieces 30A arranged in the first coil arrangement regions S11 and S12.

[0199] In this way, the appropriate position for efficiently heating the heating target changes depending on the heating of the heating coil unit 3 A. Therefore, the control unit 5 changes the display of the multiple linear lights LT1A, LT1B, LT1C depending on the heating of the heating coil unit 3.

[0200] [Example of luminous display] Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an illuminated display on the top plate 1 in response to heating by the heating coil unit 3A. The example shown in Fig. 26 is an illuminated display when heating is performed by all of the coil pieces 30A, 30B of the first coil 3AA and the second coil 3AB. Note that in Fig. 26, the linear light LT1C that is not displayed is indicated by a dashed line.

[0201] 26, the control unit 5 controls the first light-emitting device 4A to display all linear light beams LT1A and LT1B on the top plate 1 except for the light beam LT1C in a planar view. In a planar view, the linear light beams LT1A point to a first reference position P1, and the linear light beams LT1B point to a second reference position P2. In addition, in a planar view, the linear light beams LT1C are not displayed between the first reference position P1 and the second reference position P2. This makes it possible to indicate that the position between the first reference position P1 and the second reference position P2 is an appropriate position for heating the object to be heated in a planar view.

[0202] Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the light-emitting display on the top plate 1 in response to heating by the heating coil unit 3A. The example shown in Fig. 27 is a light-emitting display when heating is not performed by the multiple second coil pieces 30B in the second heating region S2, but is performed by all of the first coil pieces 30A in the first heating region S1. Note that in Fig. 27, the linear light LT1B that is not displayed is indicated by a dashed line.

[0203] 27, the control unit 5 controls the first light-emitting device 4A to display all of the linear light beams LT1A and LT1C in the first heating region S1 on the top plate 1 in a planar view. The control unit 5 does not display the multiple linear light beams LT1B in the second heating region S2 on the top plate 1 in a planar view. As a result, in a planar view, the multiple linear light beams LT1A and LT1C point to a first reference position P1 that indicates the center C1 of the first heating region S1. As a result, it can be shown that the first reference position P1 is an appropriate position for heating an object to be heated in a planar view.

[0204] Fig. 28 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the light-emitting display on the top plate 1 in response to heating by the heating coil unit 3A. The example shown in Fig. 28 is a light-emitting display when heating is performed by all of the second coil pieces 30B in the second heating region S2 and two first coil pieces 30A in the first heating region S1 adjacent to the second heating region S2. Note that in Fig. 28, the linear light LT1A that is not displayed is indicated by a dashed line.

[0205] 28, the control unit 5 controls the first light-emitting device 4A to display, on the top plate 1, the linear light LT1C in the first heating region S1 and all the linear light LT1B in the second heating region S2 in a plan view. The control unit 5 does not display, on the top plate 1, the multiple linear light LT1A in the first heating region S1 in a plan view. As a result, in a plan view, the multiple linear light LT1B and LT1C indicate the second reference position P2, which indicates the center C2 of the second heating region S2. As a result, it can be shown that the second reference position P2 is an appropriate position for heating the object in a plan view.

[0206] In this way, the control unit 5 can change the display pattern of the plurality of linear lights LT1A, LT1B, LT1C by controlling the light emission display by the first light-emitting device 4A in accordance with the heating of the heating coil unit 3. This makes it possible to display appropriate positions for efficiently heating the heating object in each heating.

[0207] [effect] According to the induction heating cooker 100 according to the eighth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0208] In the induction heating cooker 100 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, the heating region includes a first heating region S1 and a second heating region S2 provided around the first heating region S1. The first heating region S1 has a plurality of first coil arrangement regions S11-S16 defined by a plurality of first boundary lines L11-L16 extending radially from a center C1 of the first heating region S1 toward the periphery in a plan view and a first periphery line L10 defining the periphery of the first heating region S1. The second heating region S2 has a fan shape in a plan view and has a plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21-S24 defined by a plurality of second boundary lines L21-L25 extending radially from a center C2 of the second heating region S2 toward the periphery in a plan view and a second periphery line L20 defining the periphery of the arc portion of the second heating region S2. The heating coil unit 3A includes a plurality of first coil pieces 30A and a plurality of second coil pieces 30B. The plurality of first coil pieces 30A are arranged in a plurality of first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 of the first heating region S1 in a plan view, and are arranged with a first gap SP1 between them. The plurality of second coil pieces 30B are arranged in a plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 of the second heating region S2 in a plan view, and are arranged with a second gap SP2 between them. A third gap SP3 is provided between the first heating region S1 and the second heating region S2 in a plan view. The first light emitting device 4A is configured to irradiate a plurality of linear light beams LT1A, LT1B, and LT1C onto the top plate 1 from the first gap SP1, the second gap SP2, and the third gap SP3.

[0209] With this configuration, it is possible to indicate an appropriate position for heating the heating target according to the heating of the heating coil unit 3A. For example, the appropriate position for heating the heating target may change depending on various heating patterns using the multiple coil pieces 30A and 30B of the heating coil unit 3A. In this case, the control unit 5 can switch the display of the multiple linear lights LT1A, LT1B, and LT1C to indicate an appropriate position for heating in each heating pattern.

[0210] (Embodiment 9) An induction heating cooker according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0211] In the ninth embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. In the ninth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the ninth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0212] 29 and 30 are schematic diagrams showing examples of light emitting displays on the top plate 1 of the induction heating cooker 100 according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] The ninth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the number of the plurality of linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1 is changed according to the heating power of the heating coil unit 3.

[0214] The control unit 5 controls the first light-emitting device 4A to change the number of linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1 according to the heat power of the heating coil unit 3. The control unit 5 acquires heat power information related to the heat power of the heating coil unit 3 and changes the number of linear lights LT1 based on the heat power information. For example, the heat power information includes information indicating the heat strength of "weak," "medium," and "strong." The heat power increases in the order of "weak," "medium," and "strong."

[0215] For example, the thermal power information is input by the user via the input interface, and the control unit 5 acquires the information input to the input interface.

[0216] The example shown in Fig. 29 shows the light emission display when the heat power information is "weak." As shown in Fig. 29, two of the six linear lights LT1 are displayed on the top plate 1.

[0217] The example shown in Fig. 30 shows the light emission display when the heating power information is "medium." As shown in Fig. 30, four of the six linear lights LT1 are displayed on the top plate 1.

[0218] When the heat power information is "high," all six linear lights LT1 are displayed on the top plate 1 as shown in FIG. 8 of the second embodiment.

[0219] [effect] According to the induction heating cooker 100 according to the ninth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0220] In the induction heating cooker 100 according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 5 acquires heating power information related to the heating power of the heating coil unit 3, and changes the number of the plurality of linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1 based on the heating power information. With this configuration, the heating power of the heating coil unit 3 can be indicated by the number of the plurality of linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1. The user can easily know the heating power by checking the number of the plurality of linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1.

[0221] In the present embodiment, the heating power information is information indicating the heating power level of "weak," "medium," or "strong," but is not limited to this. For example, the heating power information may be information on a set temperature.

[0222] <Variation 6> Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light-emitting display on a top plate 1A in Modification 6. When displaying a plurality of dot-like lights LT13 on the top plate 1A as shown in Fig. 31, the control unit 5 may acquire heating power information related to the heating power of the heating coil unit 3, and change the number of the plurality of dot-like lights LT13 displayed on the top plate 1A based on the heating power information.

[0223] The example shown in Fig. 31 shows the light emission display when the heating power information is "medium." As shown in Fig. 31, of the nine dot-like lights LT13 arranged in a straight line, the inner three dot-like lights LT13 may be turned off and the remaining six dot-like lights LT13 may be turned on.

[0224] With this configuration, the heating power of the heating coil unit 3 can be indicated by the number of dot-like lights LT13 displayed on the top plate 1A.

[0225] (Embodiment 10) An induction heating cooker according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0226] In the tenth embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. In the tenth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the tenth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0227] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light emitting display on the top plate 1 in the induction heating cooker 100 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0228] The tenth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the brightness of the plurality of linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1 is changed according to the heating power of the heating coil unit 3.

[0229] The control unit 5 controls the first light-emitting device 4A to change the brightness of the multiple linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1 in accordance with the heating power of the heating coil unit 3. The control unit 5 acquires heating power information related to the heating power of the heating coil unit 3 and changes the brightness of the multiple linear lights LT1 based on the heating power information. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the control unit 5 reduces the brightness of the multiple linear lights LT1 as the heating power decreases. For example, the control unit 5 gradually reduces the brightness of the multiple linear lights LT1 from the outside to the inside of the heating area S1 based on the heating power information. In other words, the multiple linear lights LT1 are displayed with a gradation.

[0230] [effect] According to the induction heating cooker 100 of the tenth embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0231] In the induction heating cooker 100 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 5 acquires heating power information related to the heating power of the heating coil unit 3, and changes the brightness of the plurality of linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1 based on the heating power information. With this configuration, the heating power of the heating coil unit 3 can be indicated by the brightness of the plurality of linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1. The user can easily know the heating power by checking the brightness of the plurality of linear lights LT1 displayed on the top plate 1.

[0232] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 5 gradually reduces the brightness of the multiple linear light beams LT1 from the outside to the inside of the heating region S1, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 5 may reduce the brightness of the multiple linear light beams LT1 as a whole. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may reduce the brightness of the multiple linear light beams LT1 in stages.

[0233] Furthermore, the control unit 5 may be configured to decrease the brightness of the plurality of linear light beams LT1 in the line width direction of the plurality of linear light beams LT1 toward the inside of the plurality of linear light beams LT1. That is, the control unit 5 may change the brightness of the plurality of linear light beams LT1 so that the line width of the plurality of linear light beams LT1 decreases. This makes it possible to indicate the heating power of the heating coil unit 3 by the size of the line width (thickness) of the plurality of linear light beams LT1.

[0234] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 5 changes the brightness of the plurality of linear light beams LT1 based on heating power information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first light-emitting device 4A may be configured to decrease the brightness of the plurality of linear light beams LT1 irradiated onto the top plate 1 toward the reference position P1, regardless of the heating power information. This configuration can improve the design while indicating the appropriate position of the object to be heated.

[0235] (Other embodiments) 33 to 38 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the internal configuration of induction heating cookers according to other embodiments.

[0236] As shown in FIGS. 33 to 38, in a heating coil unit 3 configured with a plurality of coil pieces 30, the number of the plurality of coil pieces 30 may be two or more. Also, the number of first light-emitting devices 4A may be two or more. Also, the shape of the coil pieces 30 may be semicircular in a plan view. Also, coil pieces 32 that are arc-shaped in a plan view may be arranged within the heating region S1.

[0237] As described above, the above embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate.

[0238] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

[0239] (Outline of the embodiment) (1) The induction heating cooker of the present disclosure comprises a top plate on which an object to be heated is placed, a heating coil unit disposed below the top plate and inductively heating the object to be heated, and a first light-emitting device disposed below the top plate and configured to irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear beams of light indicating a reference position that serves as a reference for the position at which the object to be heated is placed and heated, at least inside the heating area in which the heating coil unit is disposed in a planar view.

[0240] (2) In the induction cooking device of (1), the heating coil unit may include a plurality of coil pieces arranged with gaps between them in a plan view, and the first light emitting device may be configured to irradiate a plurality of linear beams of light onto the top plate through the gaps between the plurality of coil pieces.

[0241] (3) In the induction cooking device of (1), the first light emitting device may include a light emitting element and a light guide that guides light emitted from the light emitting element to the top plate.

[0242] (4) In the induction cooking device of (3), the heating coil unit may include a plurality of coil pieces arranged with gaps between them in a plan view. The light guide may be arranged in the gaps between the plurality of coil pieces and have a light guide path that curves continuously in a direction toward the top plate as it moves away from the light emitting element.

[0243] (5) In the induction heating cooker of (4), the light-emitting element may be positioned at a position that overlaps with the reference position in a planar view, and the light guide may be positioned on a line that extends from the reference position toward the outside of the heating area in a planar view.

[0244] (6) In the induction heating cooker of (3), the light guide may have a lens that refracts light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the top plate, or a mirror that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the top plate.

[0245] (7) In the induction heating cooker of any one of (2) and (4) to (5), the plurality of coil pieces may be arranged radially in a plan view and at equal intervals.

[0246] (8) In the induction cooking device of any one of (1) to (7), the first light emitting device may irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear beams of light in a plan view only inside the heating region.

[0247] (9) In the induction cooking device of any one of (1) to (7), the first light emitting device may irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear beams of light in a plan view so as to extend continuously from the inside to the outside of the heating area.

[0248] (10) In any of the induction heating cookers (1) to (8), the first light-emitting device may be configured to decrease the brightness of the multiple linear lights irradiated onto the top plate toward a reference position, or to decrease the brightness of the multiple linear lights in the line width direction of the multiple linear lights toward the inside of the multiple linear lights.

[0249] (11) In the induction cooking device of any one of (1) to (9), the top plate may be configured to change the multiple linear beams of light emitted from the first light-emitting device into multiple dot-like beams arranged in a line.

[0250] (12) The induction cooking device of (9) may further include a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device. The control unit may acquire heating power information about the heating power of the heating coil unit and change the brightness of the plurality of linear lights based on the heating power information.

[0251] (13) The induction cooking device of (9) may further include a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device. The control unit may acquire heat power information about the heat power of the heating coil unit and change the number of the multiple linear lights displayed on the top plate based on the heat power information.

[0252] (14) The induction cooking device of (9) may further include a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device. The top plate may be configured to change the multiple linear lights emitted from the first light-emitting device into multiple dot-like lights arranged in a line. The control unit may acquire heating power information related to the heating power of the heating coil unit and change the number of dot-like lights displayed on the top plate based on the heating power information.

[0253] (15) The induction cooking device according to any one of (1) to (14) may further include a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device. The control unit may cause the first light-emitting device to irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear beams of light before the heating coil unit starts heating.

[0254] (16) The induction cooking device according to any one of (1) to (15) may further include a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device. The control unit may turn off the plurality of linear lights irradiated from the first light-emitting device onto the top plate inside the heating area in a plan view while the heating coil unit is heating.

[0255] (17) The induction cooking device of (9) may further include a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device. The control unit may turn off the multiple linear lights irradiated from the first light-emitting device onto the top plate at a position inside a predetermined distance away from the outside of the heating area in a plan view while the heating coil unit is heating.

[0256] (18) Any of the induction cooking devices (1) to (15) may further include a second light-emitting device disposed below the top plate and configured to irradiate one or more lights onto the top plate outside the heating area in a plan view.

[0257] (19) In the induction heating cooker of any one of (2), (4) to (5), the heating region may have a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center of the heating region toward the periphery in a plan view and an outer periphery line defining the periphery of the heating region. The plurality of coil pieces may be arranged in the plurality of coil arrangement regions in a plan view. Each of the plurality of coil pieces may have a coil wire that is arranged along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines and an outer periphery line connecting the two adjacent boundary lines in a plan view.

[0258] (20) In the induction heating cooker of any one of (2), (4), and (5), the heating region may include a first heating region and a second heating region provided around the first heating region. The first heating region may have a plurality of first coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of first boundary lines extending radially from the center of the first heating region toward the periphery in a plan view and a first periphery line defining the periphery of the first heating region. The second heating region may have a sector shape in a plan view and have a plurality of second coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of second boundary lines extending radially from the center of the second heating region toward the periphery in a plan view and a second periphery line defining the periphery of an arc portion of the second heating region. The heating coil unit may include a plurality of first coil pieces arranged in the plurality of first coil arrangement regions of the first heating region with a first gap between them in a plan view, and a plurality of second coil pieces arranged in the plurality of second coil arrangement regions of the second heating region with a second gap between them in a plan view. A third gap may be provided between the first heating region and the second heating region in plan view. The first light emitting device may be configured to irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear beams of light from the first gap, the second gap, and the third gap. [Industrial Applicability]

[0259] The present disclosure can be applied to an induction heating cooker that inductively heats an object to be heated, such as a pot. [Explanation of symbols]

[0260] 1,1A Top Plate 2. Case 3,3A heating coil unit 3AA 1st coil 3AB Second coil 4,4A,4B,4C,4D,4E 1st light emitting device 5. Control section 6. Second light-emitting device 11 Light-shielding surface 12 Transparent part 21 Shielding material 22 First notch 23 Second notch 30 coil pieces 31, 31A, 31B Coil wire 32 Coil piece 41 Light-emitting element 41A First light-emitting element 41B second light-emitting element 42 Light guide 42A 1st light guide 42B 2nd light guide 42a,42b Light guide path 43 Circuit Board 44 Lens 100 induction cooker C1,C2 center L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16 boundary lines L21, L22, L23, L24, L25 boundary lines L10, L20 outer perimeter line LT1, LT11, LT12, LT13, LT21, LT22, LT1A, LT1B, LT1C Light P1,P2 reference position S1,S2 heating area S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16 Coil placement area S21, S22, S23, S24 coil placement area SP1, SP2, SP3 gap

Claims

1. a top plate on which an object to be heated is placed; a heating coil unit disposed below the top plate and configured to induction heat the object to be heated; a first light-emitting device disposed below the top plate and configured to irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear beams of light indicating a reference position serving as a reference for placing and heating the object to be heated, at least inside a heating region in which the heating coil unit is disposed in a plan view; Equipped with the first light-emitting device, A light-emitting element; a light guide that guides light emitted from the light-emitting element to the top plate; Including, the heating coil unit includes a plurality of coil pieces arranged with gaps between them in a plan view, the light guide is disposed in the gaps between the plurality of coil pieces, and has a light guide path that continuously curves in a direction approaching the top plate as it moves away from the light emitting element. Induction heating cooker.

2. A top plate on which an object to be heated is placed, a heating coil unit disposed below the top plate and configured to induction heat the object to be heated; a first light-emitting device disposed below the top plate and configured to irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear beams of light indicating a reference position serving as a reference for placing and heating the object to be heated, at least inside a heating region in which the heating coil unit is disposed in a plan view; Equipped with a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device, the control unit extinguishes the plurality of linear lights irradiated from the first light-emitting device to the top plate inside the heating region in a plan view while the heating coil unit is heating. Induction heating cooker.

3. A top plate on which an object to be heated is placed, a heating coil unit disposed below the top plate and configured to induction heat the object to be heated; a first light-emitting device disposed below the top plate and configured to irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear beams of light indicating a reference position serving as a reference for placing and heating the object to be heated, at least inside a heating region in which the heating coil unit is disposed in a plan view; a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device; Equipped with the first light-emitting device irradiates the top plate with the plurality of linear beams of light in a plan view so as to extend continuously from the inside to the outside of the heating region; the control unit, while the heating coil unit is heating, turns off the plurality of linear lights irradiated from the first light-emitting device to the top plate inside a position that is a predetermined distance away from the outside of the heating region in a plan view. Induction heating cooker.

4. A top plate on which an object to be heated is placed; a heating coil unit disposed below the top plate and configured to induction heat the object to be heated; a first light-emitting device disposed below the top plate and configured to irradiate the top plate with a plurality of linear beams of light indicating a reference position serving as a reference for placing and heating the object to be heated, at least inside a heating region in which the heating coil unit is disposed in a plan view; Equipped with the heating coil unit includes a plurality of coil pieces arranged with gaps between them in a plan view, the first light-emitting device is configured to irradiate the plurality of linear beams of light onto the top plate through the gaps between the plurality of coil pieces; the heating region includes a first heating region and a second heating region provided around the first heating region; the first heating region has a plurality of first coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of first boundary lines extending radially from the center of the first heating region toward the periphery in a plan view and a first periphery line defining the periphery of the first heating region; the second heating region has a fan shape in a plan view, and includes a plurality of second coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of second boundary lines extending radially from the center of the second heating region toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and a second outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of an arc portion of the second heating region; The heating coil unit comprises: a plurality of first coil pieces that are arranged in the plurality of first coil arrangement regions of the first heating region in a plan view and that are arranged with a first gap between them; a plurality of second coil pieces that are arranged in the plurality of second coil arrangement regions of the second heating region in a plan view and that are arranged with a second gap between them; Including, a third gap is provided between the first heating region and the second heating region in a plan view; the first light-emitting device is configured to irradiate the plurality of linear beams of light onto the top plate through the first gap, the second gap, and the third gap; Induction heating cooker.

5. the heating coil unit includes a plurality of coil pieces arranged with gaps between them in a plan view, the first light-emitting device is configured to irradiate the plurality of linear beams of light onto the top plate through the gaps between the plurality of coil pieces; The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the first light-emitting device, A light-emitting element; a light guide that guides light emitted from the light-emitting element to the top plate; Including, The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. the heating coil unit includes a plurality of coil pieces arranged with gaps between them in a plan view, the light guide is disposed in the gaps between the plurality of coil pieces, and has a light guide path that continuously curves in a direction approaching the top plate as it moves away from the light emitting element.

7. The induction heating cooker according to claim 6.

8. the light-emitting element is disposed at a position overlapping the reference position in a plan view, The light guide is disposed on a line extending from the reference position toward the outside of the heating region in a plan view. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 .

9. The light guide has a lens that refracts the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the top plate, or a mirror that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element toward the top plate. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 .

10. The plurality of coil pieces are arranged radially in a plan view and at equal intervals. The induction heating cooker according to claim 5.

11. the first light-emitting device irradiates the top plate with the plurality of linear light beams only inside the heating region in a plan view; The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 .

12. the first light-emitting device irradiates the top plate with the plurality of linear beams of light in a plan view so as to extend continuously from the inside to the outside of the heating region; The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

13. the first light-emitting device is configured to decrease brightness of the plurality of linear light beams irradiated onto the top plate toward the reference position, or to decrease brightness of the plurality of linear light beams toward the inside of the plurality of linear light beams in a line width direction of the plurality of linear light beams. The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

14. the top plate is configured to change the plurality of linear beams of light emitted from the first light-emitting device into a plurality of point beams of light arranged in a line. The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

15. a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device, The control unit Acquire heating power information regarding the heating power of the heating coil unit; changing brightness of the plurality of linear lights based on the heat power information; The induction heating cooker according to claim 12.

16. a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device, The control unit Acquire heating power information regarding the heating power of the heating coil unit; changing the number of the plurality of linear lights displayed on the top plate based on the fire power information; The induction heating cooker according to claim 12.

17. a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device, the top plate is configured to change the plurality of linear light beams emitted from the first light-emitting device into a plurality of point-like light beams arranged in a line; The control unit Acquire heating power information regarding the heating power of the heating coil unit; changing the number of the plurality of dot-like lights displayed on the top plate based on the heat power information; The induction heating cooker according to claim 12.

18. a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device, the control unit causes the first light-emitting device to irradiate the plurality of linear beams of light onto the top plate before the heating coil unit starts heating; The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

19. a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device, the control unit extinguishes the plurality of linear lights irradiated from the first light-emitting device to the top plate inside the heating region in a plan view while the heating coil unit is heating.

5. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 or 4.

20. a control unit that controls the heating coil unit and the first light-emitting device, the first light-emitting device irradiates the top plate with the plurality of linear beams of light in a plan view so as to extend continuously from the inside to the outside of the heating region; the control unit, while the heating coil unit is heating, turns off the plurality of linear lights irradiated from the first light-emitting device to the top plate inside a position that is a predetermined distance away from the outside of the heating region in a plan view.

5. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1 or 4.

21. a second light-emitting device disposed below the top plate and configured to irradiate the top plate with one or more lights outside the heating region in a plan view; The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

22. The heating region has a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center of the heating region toward the periphery in a plan view and a periphery line defining the periphery of the heating region, the plurality of coil pieces are arranged within the plurality of coil arrangement regions in a plan view, Each of the plurality of coil pieces has a coil wire that is arranged along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines and an outer circumferential line that connects the two adjacent boundary lines in a plan view. The induction heating cooker according to claim 5.

23. the heating region includes a first heating region and a second heating region provided around the first heating region; the first heating region has a plurality of first coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of first boundary lines extending radially from the center of the first heating region toward the periphery in a plan view and a first periphery line defining the periphery of the first heating region; the second heating region has a fan shape in a plan view, and includes a plurality of second coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of second boundary lines extending radially from the center of the second heating region toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and a second outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of an arc portion of the second heating region; The heating coil unit comprises: a plurality of first coil pieces that are arranged in the plurality of first coil arrangement regions of the first heating region in a plan view and that are arranged with a first gap between them; a plurality of second coil pieces that are arranged in the plurality of second coil arrangement regions of the second heating region in a plan view and that are arranged with a second gap between them; Including, a third gap is provided between the first heating region and the second heating region in a plan view; the first light-emitting device is configured to irradiate the plurality of linear beams of light onto the top plate through the first gap, the second gap, and the third gap; The induction heating cooker according to claim 5.

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