Heating Regulator

Abstract

To suppress an operation display part or a display part disposed on a top plate from being affected by heat from a storage chamber.SOLUTION: A heating cooker includes: a top plate having a first cooking area and a second cooking area where a material to be heated is placed; a first heating part disposed at the lower part of the first cooking area; a second heating part disposed on the lower part of the second cooking area; a storage chamber disposed on the lower part of the top plate; an energy action part discharging or absorbing energy with respect to a stored material stored in the storage chamber; an operation display part disposed on the top plate and having an operation part operating the first heating part, the second heating part or the energy action part; and a control part controlling the first heating part, the second heating part, the energy action part and the operation display part. The operation display part is not disposed at the upper part of the storage chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking heater.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooking heater including a normally used coil and a large coil larger than this coil, and allowing objects to be heated heated by each coil to be cooked without interfering with each other.

[0003] The cooking heater described in Patent Document 1 includes a main body having a large coil with a radius r1, a medium coil with a radius r2, and a small coil with a radius r3, and a rectangular top plate provided so as to cover the upper part of the main body and on which an object to be heated heated by at least any one of the three coils is placed. The center positions of the large coil, the medium coil, and the small coil in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction are different from each other, and r1 > r2 > r3 holds.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document No. 1

[0008] A heating appliance according to one aspect of this disclosure is A top plate having a first cooking area and a second cooking area on which the object to be heated is placed, A first heating unit is located below the first cooking area, A second heating unit is located below the second cooking area, A storage compartment located below the top plate, An energy-acting unit that releases or absorbs energy to the contents stored in the aforementioned storage facility, A display unit is provided on the top plate to display information related to the first heating unit, the second heating unit, and the storage compartment. A control unit that controls the first heating unit, the second heating unit, the energy application unit, and the display unit, Equipped with, The display unit is not located above the storage compartment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooking appliance that can suppress the operation display unit or the display unit disposed on the top plate from being affected by heat from the storage compartment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of an example of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a schematic plan view of an example of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a schematic front view of an example of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 3 cut along line A-A. [Figure 6] It is a schematic view showing an example of the operation display unit. [Figure 7] It is a schematic view showing another example of the operation display unit. [Figure 8] It is a schematic view showing another example of the operation display unit. [Figure 9] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the state where the cooking appliance is arranged in the kitchen. [Figure 10] It is a schematic plan view of the cooking appliance of Modified Example 1. [Figure 11] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance of Modified Example 1 shown in FIG. 10 cut along line B-B. [Figure 12] It is a schematic plan view of an example of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] It is a schematic plan view of an example of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] It is a schematic plan view of an example of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] It is a schematic plan view showing an example of the state where the top plate is removed from the cooking appliance of FIG. 14. [Figure 16]This is a schematic plan view of an example of a heating appliance according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the heating appliance according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure. [Figure 18] This is a schematic plan view of the heating appliance in modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Background leading to this disclosure) For example, a cooking appliance is known in which an operation display unit is mounted in a kangaroo pocket. The kangaroo pocket is a part provided on the front of the cooking appliance and comprises a rotatable polyhedron. The polyhedron includes a cover surface that constitutes the front of the cooking appliance and a mounting surface on which the operation display unit is mounted.

[0012] The mounting surface on the polyhedron can be retracted inside the cooking appliance and exposed from the appliance by rotating the polyhedron. Specifically, when the operation display unit is not in use, the mounting surface can be retracted inside the cooking appliance, and when the operation display unit is in use, the mounting surface can be exposed from the cooking appliance. For example, when using the operation display unit, the user exposes the operation display unit from the cooking appliance by rotating the polyhedron in the direction in which the mounting surface is exposed from the cooking appliance. On the other hand, when the operation display unit is not in use, the user retracts the operation display unit inside the cooking appliance by rotating the polyhedron in the direction in which the mounting surface is retracted inside the cooking appliance.

[0013] However, when mounting the control panel in the kangaroo pocket on the front of the cooking appliance, there are limitations on the size of the control panel. For example, in Japanese kitchen counters, there are standards for the opening that exposes the front of the cooking appliance, which limits the size of the kangaroo pocket. Therefore, the size of the control panel is also limited by the size of the kangaroo pocket.

[0014] In recent years, in order to improve the convenience of the control display, cooking appliance configurations that place the control display on the top plate have been considered. However, when the control display is placed on the top plate, there is a problem that the heat generated in the storage compartment (grill) located below the top plate is transferred to the control display.

[0015] Therefore, the inventors have found a configuration that suppresses the influence of heat from the storage compartment on the operation display unit or display unit located on the top plate, and have come to the following disclosure.

[0016] A cooking appliance according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a top plate having a first cooking area and a second cooking area on which an object to be heated is placed; a first heating unit disposed below the first cooking area; a second heating unit disposed below the second cooking area; a storage compartment disposed below the top plate; an energy-acting unit that releases or absorbs energy to an object stored in the storage compartment; a display unit disposed on the top plate that displays display information related to the first heating unit, the second heating unit and the storage compartment; and a control unit that controls the first heating unit, the second heating unit, the energy-acting unit and the display unit, wherein, in a plan view of the top plate, the first cooking area and the second cooking area are provided in the left-right direction of the top plate, and in a plan view of the top plate, the display unit is positioned in front of the second cooking area in the front-rear direction of the top plate.

[0017] In a heating appliance according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the second cooking area may be positioned further back than the first cooking area in the front-to-back direction of the top plate, in a plan view of the top plate.

[0018] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, the display unit may be positioned to the side of the first cooking area in the left-right direction of the top plate, in a plan view of the top plate.

[0019] In a cooking appliance according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the first heating unit may include a plurality of heating coils.

[0020] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the top plate has a third cooking area provided between the first cooking area and the second cooking area in a plan view of the top plate, the third cooking area being located behind the first cooking area in the front-to-back direction of the top plate and to the side of the second cooking area in the left-to-right direction of the top plate, and the cooking appliance may further include a third heating section located below the third cooking area.

[0021] In a heating appliance according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the display unit may display information related to the third heating unit.

[0022] A cooking appliance according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure further comprises an operating unit disposed on the top plate for operating the first heating unit, the second heating unit, or the energy operating unit, wherein, in a plan view of the top plate, the operating unit may be positioned in front of the second cooking area in the front-to-back direction of the top plate.

[0023] A cooking appliance according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure further comprises an operating unit disposed on the top plate for operating the first heating unit, the second heating unit, the third heating unit, or the energy operating unit, wherein, in a plan view of the top plate, the operating unit may be positioned in front of the second cooking area in the front-to-back direction of the top plate.

[0024] In a heating appliance according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating unit may be positioned to the side of the first cooking area in the left-right direction of the top plate, in a plan view of the top plate.

[0025] A cooking appliance according to a tenth aspect of this disclosure may include an operation display unit that includes the display unit and the operation unit.

[0026] In a heating appliance according to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, the operation display unit may include a touch panel liquid crystal.

[0027] A heating cooker according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a first light output unit that emits light and is arranged around the first heating unit in a plan view of the top plate, and a second light output unit that emits light and is arranged around the second heating unit in a plan view of the top plate, wherein the first light output unit is provided with a first notch that exposes the first heating unit in the left-right direction of the top plate in a plan view of the top plate, and the second light output unit is provided with a second notch that exposes the second heating unit in the left-right direction of the top plate in a plan view of the top plate.

[0028] In a heating appliance according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the storage compartment may be located on the side opposite to the display unit in the left-right direction of the top plate.

[0029] A cooking appliance according to a 14th aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a main body on which the top plate is mounted and which is provided with a storage compartment, the storage compartment having an opening and closing door for opening and closing the storage compartment, the opening and closing door may be arranged across the entire front surface of the main body.

[0030] A heating appliance according to a 15th aspect of the present disclosure may further include a communication unit for transmitting the display information to an external device.

[0031] A cooking appliance according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure may further include a communication unit that receives operation information for operating the first heating unit, the second heating unit, or the energy acting unit from an external device.

[0032] In a cooking appliance according to a 17th aspect of the present disclosure, the top plate may be placed in a kitchen, and the upper surface of the top plate may be flush with the top surface of the kitchen.

[0033] In a heating appliance according to an 18th aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor for detecting contact or proximity of an object to be heated to the display unit may be provided below the second cooking area and the display unit in the front-to-back direction of the top plate, in a plan view of the top plate.

[0034] In a heating appliance according to a 19th aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor for detecting contact or proximity of an object to be heated to the display unit may be provided below the top plate in the left-right direction of the top plate, between the first cooking area and the display unit, in a plan view of the top plate.

[0035] An embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions, etc., do not necessarily correspond to those of reality.

[0036] (Embodiment 1) [Overall structure] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a heating cooker 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The XYZ coordinate system shown in the figure is for the purpose of aiding understanding the invention and does not limit the invention. The X and Y directions represent the horizontal direction, and the Z direction represents the vertical direction. In this specification, the X direction represents the left-right direction, and the Y direction represents the front-back direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the heating appliance 1A is a cooking appliance that heats the object to be heated C1. The object to be heated C1 is the object to be heated, for example, a cooking container such as a pot. In this embodiment, as an example of the heating appliance 1A, an induction heating appliance that induces heating of the object to be heated will be described. The heating appliance 1A shown in Figure 1 is a built-in induction heating appliance used in a system kitchen.

[0038] In the heating appliance 1A, a top plate 10 is placed on the main body 2, and the top plate 10 is provided with a first cooking area A1, a second cooking area A2, and an operation display unit 30. The object to be heated C1 is placed in the first cooking area A1 or the second cooking area A2 and heated. The main body 2 is also provided with a storage compartment 20.

[0039] Figure 2 will be used to explain the detailed configuration of the cooking appliance 1A.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heating appliance 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the heating appliance 1A comprises a top plate 10, a first heating unit 11, a second heating unit 12, a storage compartment 20, an energy handling unit 21, an operation display unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0041] <Top Plate> The top plate 10 is composed of a plate having a rectangular shape in plan view. The top plate 10 is made of, for example, so-called heat-resistant glass. Heat-resistant glass is, for example, heat-strengthened glass such as borosilicate glass and crystallized glass.

[0042] The top plate 10 is positioned on top of the main body 2. The top plate 10 has a first cooking area A1 and a second cooking area A2 on which the object to be heated is placed. The first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2 have a circular shape in plan view. As shown in Figure 1, an operation display unit 30 is positioned on the top plate 10.

[0043] <1st heating section> The first heating unit 11 is located inside the main body 2 and below the top plate 10. The first heating unit 11 is located below the first cooking area A1. The first heating unit 11 is composed of, for example, a heating coil. The first heating unit 11 has a circular outer shape in plan view.

[0044] <Second heating section> The second heating unit 12 is located inside the main body 2 and below the top plate 10. The second heating unit 12 is located below the second cooking area A2. The second heating unit 12 is composed of, for example, a heating coil. The second heating unit 12 has a circular outer shape in plan view.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2 have the same shape and size. Also, the first heating section 11 and the second heating section 12 have the same shape and size.

[0046] <Detention Center> The storage compartment 20 houses the contents. In this embodiment, the storage compartment 20 is, for example, a grill for heating cooked food such as fish. As shown in Figure 1, the storage compartment 20 is located inside the main body 2 and below the top plate 10. The storage compartment 20 has an opening on the front side of the main body 2. An opening / closing door 22 for opening and closing the storage compartment 20 is located at the position on the front of the main body 2 where the opening of the storage compartment 20 is provided.

[0047] <Energy-acting part> The energy acting unit 21 releases or absorbs energy to the contents placed inside the storage chamber 20. In this embodiment, the energy acting unit 21 is, for example, a heating unit such as a heater that releases thermal energy to the contents and heats them.

[0048] <Operation display section> The operation display unit 30 has a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32.

[0049] The display unit 31 displays information related to the heating appliance 1A. For example, the display unit 31 displays display information related to the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the storage compartment 20. The display information includes, for example, the heating temperature of the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the storage compartment 20, heating time, heating mode, automatic cooking menu, and information such as whether or not there is an object to be heated or an object to be stored.

[0050] The control unit 32 operates the cooking appliance 1A. For example, the control unit 32 is located on the top plate 10 and operates the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the energy application unit 21. The control unit 32 receives operation information entered by the user. The operation information includes, for example, information for setting the heating temperature, heating time, heating mode, and automatic cooking menu for the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the energy application unit 21.

[0051] In this embodiment, the operation display unit 30 is composed of a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32 integrated into one unit. The operation display unit 30 includes, for example, a touch panel liquid crystal display.

[0052] <Department Head> The control unit 40 controls the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, the energy application unit 21, and the operation display unit 30. For example, the control unit 40 displays display information on the display unit 31 and controls the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, the energy application unit 21, and the display unit 31 based on the operation information received by the operation unit 32.

[0053] The control unit 40 can be implemented using, for example, semiconductor elements. For instance, the control unit 40 can be composed of a microcomputer, CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The functions of the control unit 40 may be implemented using hardware alone, or they may be implemented by combining hardware and software.

[0054] For example, the control unit 40 reads data and programs stored in the memory unit and performs various calculations to realize a predetermined function.

[0055] [Regarding the arrangement of the first heating section, the second heating section, and the operation display section] An example of the arrangement of the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the operation display unit 30 will be explained using Figure 3.

[0056] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an example of a heating cooker 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2 are provided in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. Note that "plan view" means looking from the Z direction. "Plan view of the top plate 10" means looking from the thickness direction (Z direction) of the top plate 10.

[0057] Furthermore, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the operation display unit 30 is positioned in front of the second cooking area A2 in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10. Note that "front" refers to the front side of the heating appliance 1.

[0058] Specifically, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the second cooking area A2 is positioned further back than the first cooking area A1 in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10. In other words, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the first cooking area A1 is positioned closer to the front than the second cooking area A2. Note that "further back" refers to the rear side of the heating appliance 1.

[0059] Furthermore, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the operation display unit 30 is positioned to the side of the first cooking area A1 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the center line CL1 is defined as a line segment that is equal in distance from both ends of the top plate 10 in the left-right direction (X direction). On the top plate 10, the first cooking area A1 is located to the left of the center line CL1, and the second cooking area A2 is located to the right of the center line CL1. The operation display unit 30 is also located to the right of the center line CL1.

[0061] In a plan view of the top plate 10, by positioning the second cooking area A2 further back than the first cooking area A1 in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10, it is possible to create space to place the operation display unit 30 in front of the second cooking area A2.

[0062] [Regarding the opening and closing of the storage compartment doors] An example of the opening and closing door 22 of the storage compartment 20 will be explained using Figure 4.

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of an example of a cooking appliance 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the opening and closing door 22 of the storage compartment 20 is located across the entire front surface of the main body 2. The left-right (X-direction) dimension of the opening and closing door 22 is approximately the same as the left-right (X-direction) dimension of the front surface of the main body 2. Note that "approximately the same" includes an error of ±10% or less. Furthermore, "the entire front surface of the main body 2" refers, for example, to the front portion of the main body 2 that is exposed from the opening of the system kitchen when the cooking appliance 1A is installed in the system kitchen.

[0064] The opening and closing door 22 has a cover surface 22a. The cover surface 22a is the surface exposed on the front side of the main body 2 and constitutes the outer surface of the cooking appliance 1. A handle 22b is provided on the cover surface 22a. The handle 22b is the part that protrudes from the cover surface 22a and is the part that the user can hold with their fingers.

[0065] The cover surface 22a is formed flat except for the handle 22b. Specifically, the cover surface 22a is formed as a plane that extends continuously in the left-right direction (X direction) of the cooking appliance 1A. In other words, the cover surface 22a has no steps or grooves.

[0066] In this way, the design can be improved by arranging the opening and closing door 22 across the entire front surface of the main body 2. Furthermore, in the heating cooker 1A, since the operation display unit 30 is provided on the top plate 10, it is not necessary to place the operation display unit 30 on the front surface of the main body (the so-called kangaroo pocket) as in conventional models. Therefore, the opening and closing door 22 can be arranged across the entire front surface of the main body 2, thereby improving the design.

[0067] Furthermore, the opening and closing door 22 may be positioned on a part of the front of the main body 2. In this case, the area of ​​the front of the main body 2 other than the opening and closing door 22 is fixed rather than movable. Therefore, compared to the case where both the opening and closing door 22 and the kangaroo pocket are movable, it becomes easier to align the front of the main body 2 with the front of the kitchen counter in the Y direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction).

[0068] Furthermore, the entire front surface of the main unit, including the cover surface 22a of the opening and closing door 22, may be made of the same decorative panel or similar panel, or decorative film as the front surface of the kitchen counter. This enhances the overall sense of unity in the kitchen and improves its design. In particular, with the heating appliance 1A, since the operation display is not located in the kangaroo pocket, only the opening and closing door 22 needs to be aligned with the kitchen counter, making alignment easy. Therefore, the front surface of the kitchen counter can be made flat with the same decorative panel, improving its design. A window may be provided in part of the front surface of the main unit so that the inside of the storage compartment 20 can be seen.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a power switch 25 is provided on the upper surface at the end of the handle 22b. When using a touch panel LCD or touch switch as the operating unit, the sensitivity may be lower than that of a physical switch. The power switch 25 has the role of "emergency stop," so high sensitivity is required. On the other hand, placing a physical switch may reduce the aesthetic appeal. In this embodiment, the opening and closing door 22 is large, and the handle 22b can also be made long, so even if the power switch 25 is placed on the handle 22b, the design of the handle 22b and the top surface is not significantly affected. In this embodiment, the power switch 25 is given as an example of a physical switch to be placed on the handle 22b, but other switches such as an interior light switch may also be placed there.

[0070] [Regarding the structure of the detention facility] The structure of the storage facility 20 will be explained using Figure 5.

[0071] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1A in Figure 3, cut along line AA. As shown in Figure 5, the storage compartment 20 is located on the opposite side of the operation display unit 30 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. In other words, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the storage compartment 20 is located in a position that does not overlap with at least the liquid crystal portion of the operation display unit 30. However, the control board and other components of the operation display unit 30 may be located in a position that overlaps with the storage compartment 20.

[0072] Specifically, when viewed from the front of the cooking appliance 1A, the storage compartment 20 is located to the left of the top plate 10 inside the main body 2, and the operation display unit 30 is located to the right of the top plate 10. As a result, the storage compartment 20 is not located below the operation display unit 30 inside the main body 2, creating a space 3. This space 3 functions as an airflow path. This allows the operation display unit 30 to be cooled by the air blowing on it. For example, a fan may be placed in space 3 to blow air onto the operation display unit 30.

[0073] The storage unit 20 has a storage chamber 23, and a storage dish 24 is placed inside the storage chamber 23. A roughly rectangular space is formed inside the storage chamber 23. Energy acting parts 21 are provided on the inner wall of the storage chamber 23. In this embodiment, two energy acting parts 21 are arranged facing each other in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the storage chamber 23. Note that the item housed in the storage chamber 23 and subjected to the action of the energy acting parts 21 does not have to be the storage dish 24; a general pot may also be used.

[0074] The storage tray 24 is a tray on which the contents C2 are placed. The contents C2 are placed on the storage tray 24 and then placed inside the storage chamber 23. For example, the contents C2 may be food such as meat or fish.

[0075] In this embodiment, the energy-acting unit 21 is a heating unit such as a heater. In the cooking appliance 1A, the storage compartment 20 is positioned on the opposite side of the operation display unit 30 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10, thereby separating the operation display unit 30 from the storage compartment 20. This prevents heat generated in the storage compartment 20 from being transferred to the operation display unit 30. In addition, the operation display unit 30 can be cooled by forming a space 3 below it.

[0076] [Regarding the operation display unit] An example of the operation display unit 30 will be explained using Figures 6 to 8.

[0077] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation display unit 30. As shown in Figure 6, the operation display unit 30 has a display unit 31 that displays first display information 31a and second display information 31b as display information. The first display information 31a indicates the heat level of the first heating unit 11. The second display information 31b indicates the heating time of the second heating unit 12.

[0078] The operation display unit 30 has timer / heat control buttons 32aa, 32ba, heating stop buttons 32ab, 32bb, and grill operation button 32c. The timer / heat control buttons 32aa, 32ba are buttons for switching the timer setting and heat setting of the first heating unit 11 and the second heating unit 12, respectively. The heating stop buttons 32ab, 32bb operate to stop heating of the first heating unit 11 and the second heating unit 12, respectively. When the grill operation button 32c is pressed down, the display transitions to an operation display that accepts the selection of a grill menu, as shown in the grill operation button 32c in Figure 8.

[0079] The timer / heat control buttons 32aa, 32ba, the heating stop buttons 32ab, 32bb, and the grill operation button 32c correspond to the operation unit 32. In this embodiment, since the display unit 31 and the operation unit 32 are integrated into a touch panel LCD, the operation unit 32 is displayed on the display unit 31. The user operates the timer / heat control buttons 32aa, 32ba, the heating stop buttons 32ab, 32bb, and the grill operation button 32c displayed on the display unit 31 to operate the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the energy application unit 21.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 6, the first display information 31a and the second display information 31b are displayed largely on the operation display unit 30, allowing the user to easily see the first display information 31a and the second display information 31b, thereby improving convenience. Furthermore, the operation display unit 30 can display many operation buttons and menus, such as timer / heat control buttons 32aa, 32ba, heating stop buttons 32ab, 32bb, and grill operation buttons 32c. This improves operability.

[0081] In the example shown in Figure 6, the first display information 31a includes a circular display 131a, a number 231a written inside it, and a frame-by-frame button 331a. The number 231a indicates the heat level, and the user can increase or decrease the heat level using the frame-by-frame button 331a. The circular display 131a is divided into multiple areas, and the number or range of highlighted areas is associated with the heat level. If the timer / heat level operation button 32aa is pressed while the first display information 31a in Figure 6 is displayed, the number 231a indicating the heat level changes to a time display as in the second display information 31b. The second display information 31b includes a circular display 131b and a number 231b written inside it. The number 231b displays, for example, the remaining heating time. If the timer / heat control button 32ba is pressed while the second display information 31b in Figure 6 is displayed, the number 231b indicating the remaining heating time will change to a heat level display as in the first display information 31a, and the frame advance button will also be displayed.

[0082] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the operation display unit 30. As shown in Figure 7, the display unit 31 displays the automatic menu screen 31c of the first heating unit 11. Multiple menu buttons 32d are arranged on the automatic menu screen 31c. Each of the multiple menu buttons 32d displays, for example, information about a cooking menu. The cooking menu includes, for example, text information indicating the name of the dish, or image information indicating a picture of the dish. Each of the multiple menu buttons 32d is assigned setting information for heating temperature and heating time corresponding to the cooking menu information indicated by each button. When the user selects one of the multiple menu buttons 32d, the control unit 40 controls the first heating unit 11 based on the setting information assigned to the selected button. For example, if a menu button 32d displaying the cooking menu information for "hotcakes" is selected, the control unit 40 controls the first heating unit 11 based on the heating temperature and heating time corresponding to hotcakes.

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 7, six menu buttons 32d are displayed on the automatic menu screen 31c. The six menu buttons 32d are sized to be easily visible to the user and improve operability with the user's fingers. Selecting the up or down arrow displayed on the automatic menu screen 31c will display another menu button 32d. In this way, the operation display unit 30 can display the automatic menu screen 31c and allow the use of multiple menu buttons 32d. This improves convenience.

[0084] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the operation display unit 30. Figure 8 shows the state in which multiple grill menu buttons 32e and multiple grill operation buttons 32f are displayed when the grill operation 32c shown in Figure 6 is selected.

[0085] Each of the multiple grill menu buttons 32e displays, for example, grill menu information. The grill menu includes, for example, text information indicating the name of the dish, or image information indicating a picture of the dish. Each of the multiple grill menu buttons 32e is assigned setting information for heating temperature and heating time corresponding to the grill menu information indicated by the button. When the user selects one of the multiple grill menu buttons 32e, the control unit 40 controls the energy operating unit 21 based on the setting information assigned to the selected button. For example, if the grill menu button 32e displaying the grill menu information for "grilled fish" is selected, the control unit 40 controls the energy operating unit 21 based on the heating temperature and heating time corresponding to grilled fish.

[0086] The multiple grill operation buttons 32f include buttons corresponding to, for example, manual mode, cleaning mode, and interior light mode. "Manual mode" is a mode for manually operating the energy operating unit 21. "Cleaning mode" is a mode for cleaning the storage compartment 20. "Interior light mode" is a mode for turning on the interior light located inside the storage compartment 20.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 8, the grill operation 32c displays three grill menu buttons 32e. Furthermore, the grill operation 32c also displays three grill operation buttons 32f. The three grill menu buttons 32e and the three grill operation buttons 32f are sized to be easily visible to the user and improve operability with the user's fingers. Selecting the left or right arrow displayed on the grill operation 32c displays yet another grill menu button 32e. In this way, the operation display unit 30 displays the grill operation 32c and allows the use of multiple grill menu buttons 32e and multiple grill operation buttons 32f. This improves convenience.

[0088] [Regarding the placement of cooking appliances in the kitchen] Figure 9 illustrates an example of how the cooking appliance 1A is positioned in a kitchen.

[0089] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cooking appliance 1A being placed in a kitchen 4. As shown in Figure 9, the kitchen 4 is provided with a recess 4a into which the cooking appliance 1A is fitted. The recess 4a is recessed downward from the top surface 4b of the kitchen 4. The recess 4a includes a first recess 4aa and a second recess 4ab.

[0090] The first recess 4aa is a recess in which the main body 2 of the cooking appliance 1A is placed. The first recess 4aa communicates with an opening on the front side of the kitchen 4. When the main body 2 of the cooking appliance 1A is placed in the first recess 4aa, the front of the main body 2 is exposed through the opening of the kitchen 4 that communicates with the first recess 4aa. As a result, the opening and closing door 22 of the storage compartment 20 located in front of the main body 2 is exposed through the opening of the kitchen 4.

[0091] The second recess 4ab is a recess in which the top plate 10 of the cooking appliance 1A is placed. In a plan view of the kitchen 4, the second recess 4ab has a larger outer shape than the first recess 4aa. When the top plate 10 is placed in the second recess 4ab, the top surface 10a of the top plate 10 becomes flush with the top surface 4b of the kitchen 4. "Flush" means that, when viewed from the front side of the kitchen 4, there is no step between the top surface 10a of the top plate 10 and the top surface 4b of the kitchen 4. In other words, the top surface 10a of the top plate 10 and the top surface 4b of the kitchen 4 are at the same height.

[0092] In this way, by making the upper surface 10a of the top plate 10 and the top surface 4b of the kitchen 4 flush, convenience can be improved. For example, in this embodiment, since the second heating unit 12 is located at the back, it is assumed that work will be performed in the area where the operation display unit 30 is located or in its vicinity. In this case, if the upper surface 10a of the top plate 10 and the top surface 4b of the kitchen 4 are flush, the workspace can be flexibly expanded, improving convenience.

[0093] [effect] The heating appliance 1A according to Embodiment 1 provides the following effects.

[0094] The heating appliance 1A comprises a top plate 10, a first heating unit 11, a second heating unit 12, a storage compartment 20, an energy handling unit 21, an operation display unit 30, and a control unit 40. The top plate 10 has a first cooking area A1 and a second cooking area A2 on which the object to be heated is placed. The first heating unit 11 is located below the first cooking area A1. The second heating unit 12 is located below the second cooking area A2. The storage compartment 20 is located below the top plate 10. The energy handling unit 21 releases or absorbs energy to the contents stored in the storage compartment 20. The operation display unit 30 includes a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32. The display unit 31 is located on the top plate 10 and displays display information related to the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the storage compartment 20. In a plan view of the top plate 10, the first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2 are located in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. In a plan view of the top plate 10, the operation display unit 30 is located in front of the second cooking area A2 in the front-rear direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10.

[0095] This configuration improves the convenience of the cooking appliance 1A. In the cooking appliance 1A, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2 are provided in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10, and the operation display unit 30 is positioned in front of the second cooking area A2 in the front-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10. By positioning the operation display unit 30 on the top plate 10 in this way, the operation display unit 30 can be made larger compared to when the operation display unit 30 is mounted in the kangaroo pocket. As a result, the display unit 31 can be made larger, allowing more display information to be shown. In addition, the space for positioning the operation unit 32 can be increased. As a result, the user can more easily see the display information, perform more operations, and improve convenience.

[0096] In a plan view of the top plate 10, the second cooking area A2 is positioned further back than the first cooking area A1 in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10. This configuration allows for space to be secured in front of the second cooking area A2 to accommodate the control display unit 30. This enables the placement of a larger control display unit 30 on the top plate 10, further improving convenience.

[0097] In a plan view of the top plate 10, the operation display unit 30 is positioned next to the first cooking area A1 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. This configuration makes it easier to secure space for the operation display unit 30 in front of the second cooking area A2. As a result, a larger operation display unit 30 can be placed on the top plate 10, further improving convenience.

[0098] The operation display unit 30 includes a touch panel LCD. This configuration integrates the display unit 31 and the operation unit 32, further improving convenience. It also reduces the number of components.

[0099] The storage compartment 20 is positioned on the opposite side of the operation display unit 30 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. This configuration suppresses the transfer of heat generated in the storage compartment 20 to the operation display unit 30. As a result, the display unit 31 of the operation display unit 30 is not affected by the heat from the storage compartment 20.

[0100] The cooking appliance 1A further comprises a main body 2 on which a top plate 10 is placed and a storage compartment 20 is provided. The storage compartment 20 has an opening / closing door 22 for opening and closing the storage compartment 20, and the opening / closing door 22 is positioned across the entire front surface of the main body 2. This configuration improves the aesthetic design of the cooking appliance 1A. For example, if a kangaroo pocket equipped with an operation display unit is positioned on the front surface of the main body, a boundary (step) is formed between the opening / closing door of the storage compartment and the kangaroo pocket. In the cooking appliance 1A, since the operation display unit 30 is positioned on the top plate 10, it is not necessary to position the kangaroo pocket on the front surface of the main body 2. Therefore, the opening / closing door 22 can be positioned across the entire front surface of the main body 2, and no boundary is formed with other components. As a result, the aesthetic design can be improved.

[0101] The top plate 10 is positioned in the kitchen 4, and the top surface 10a of the top plate is flush with the top surface 4b of the kitchen 4. This configuration can further improve convenience.

[0102] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first heating section 11 and the second heating section 12 are composed of heating coils, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the first heating section 11 and the second heating section 12 may be heaters.

[0103] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the cooking appliance 1A has two heating units 11 and 12, but it is not limited to this. The cooking appliance 1A may have three or more heating units.

[0104] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first heating section 11 and the second heating section 12 have the same shape and size, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first heating section 11 and the second heating section 12 may have different shapes and sizes.

[0105] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2 have the same shape and size, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2 may have different shapes and sizes.

[0106] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the storage compartment 20 is a grill and the contents C2 are food items such as meat or fish, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in addition to heating, the storage compartment 20 may also perform warming, cooling, humidification, moisturizing, or drying. The contents C2 may be, for example, tableware.

[0107] In this embodiment, an example in which the energy working unit 21 is a heating unit has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the energy working unit 21 may include, in addition to a heating unit, a steamer that releases high-temperature steam, a refrigeration cycle device for cooling, a humidifier, a blower, a dryer, and the like.

[0108] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation display unit 30 is configured as an integrated unit consisting of a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 31 and the operation unit 32 may be separate.

[0109] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the operation display unit 30 is a touch panel LCD, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 31 may be an LED, or the operation unit 32 may be a physical button.

[0110] In this embodiment, an example in which one display unit 31 is arranged on the top plate 10 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, multiple display units 31 may be arranged on the top plate 10. For example, two display units 31 may be arranged side by side on the top plate 10.

[0111] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which both the display unit 31 and the operation unit 32 are arranged on the top plate 10, but the invention is not limited to this. In the heating appliance 1A, it is sufficient that at least the display unit 31 is arranged on the top plate 10, and the operation unit 32 does not need to be arranged on the top plate 10.

[0112] <Example 1> Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the heating appliance 1AA of the modified example 1. As shown in Figure 10, in the heating appliance 1AA, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the first cooking area A1 is provided to the right of the center line CL1 of the top plate 10, and the second cooking area A2 is provided to the left of the center line CL2 of the top plate 10. Also, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the operation display unit 30 is located to the left of the center line CL1 of the top plate 10 and in front of the second cooking area A2.

[0113] As described above, in Modification 1, the positions of the first cooking area A1, the second cooking area A2, and the operation display unit 30 are swapped left and right compared to the heating appliance 1 of Embodiment 1. Even with this configuration, convenience can be improved.

[0114] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1AA of the modified example 1 shown in Figure 10, cut along line BB. As shown in Figure 11, the storage compartment 20 is located on the opposite side of the operation display unit 30 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. Specifically, when viewed from the front side of the cooking appliance 1AA, the storage compartment 20 is located to the right of the top plate 10 inside the main body 2, and the operation display unit 30 is located to the left of the top plate 10. Also, inside the main body 2, the storage compartment 20 is not located below the operation display unit 30, forming a space 3.

[0115] As described above, in Modification 1, the arrangement of the storage compartment 20 and the operation display unit 30 is reversed compared to the heating cooker 1 of Embodiment 1. Even with this configuration, it is possible to suppress the transfer of heat generated in the storage compartment 20 to the operation display unit 30.

[0116] (Embodiment 2) A heating appliance according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will now be described.

[0117] Embodiment 2 will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 2, components identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0118] Figure 12 is a schematic plan view of an example of a heating cooker 1B according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0119] Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the first heating section 11A includes a plurality of heating coils 11a.

[0120] As shown in Figure 12, in the cooking appliance 1B, the first heating section 11A includes a plurality of heating coils 11a arranged in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10.

[0121] In a plan view of the top plate 10, the heating coil 11a has a longitudinal direction in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10 and a short direction in the front-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10. In this embodiment, the heating coil 11a has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0122] In a plan view of the top plate 10, the first cooking area A1 has a substantially rectangular shape. The first cooking area A1 has a longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10 and a shortened direction in the left-to-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. Multiple heating coils 11a are arranged below the first cooking area A1.

[0123] The operation display unit 30 displays information related to the multiple heating coils 11a and allows the user to operate the multiple heating coils 11a. For example, the operation display unit 30 displays information indicating which heating coil 11a is currently in use. The operation display unit 30 displays a frame indicating the first cooking area A1 on the display unit 31, displays the heating coil 11a being used within the frame, and does not necessarily need to display the heating coils 11a that are not being used. The operation display unit 30 also displays operation buttons for operating the multiple heating coils 11a. The user can operate the multiple heating coils 11a by operating these operation buttons.

[0124] For example, the cooking appliance 1B includes sensors positioned near the multiple heating coils 11a. The cooking appliance 1B uses the sensors to detect that an object to be heated is positioned above the multiple heating coils 11a. The sensors are, for example, infrared sensors.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first heating unit 11 includes four heating coils 11a. In this case, the first object to be heated may be heated using two heating coils 11a located towards the rear in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10 when viewed from above. Alternatively, the second object to be heated may be heated using two heating coils 11b located towards the front. The heating temperatures of the first object to be heated and the second object to be heated may be different. In this way, multiple objects to be heated may be heated within the first cooking area A1.

[0126] [effect] The heating appliance 1B according to Embodiment 2 provides the following effects.

[0127] In the cooking appliance 1B, the first heating section 11A includes multiple heating coils 11a. This configuration further improves the convenience of the cooking appliance 1B. By using multiple heating coils 11a, the first cooking area A1 can be enlarged. This allows multiple objects to be heated to be placed in the first cooking area A1.

[0128] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1B, the operation display unit 30 displays information related to multiple heating coils 11a, and it is also possible to operate multiple heating coils 11a. This configuration further improves the convenience of the heating appliance 1B. For example, in order to operate multiple heating coils 11a, more information and operation buttons are displayed on the operation display unit 30, so the larger the size of the operation display unit 30, the better. In the heating appliance 1B, the operation display unit 30 is located on the top plate 10, so the size of the operation display unit 30 can be increased, and displays and operation buttons for operating multiple heating coils 11a can be shown.

[0129] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which multiple heating coils 11a are arranged in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, multiple heating coils 11a may be arranged in the left-to-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10.

[0130] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating coil 11a has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view of the top plate 10, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in a plan view of the top plate 10, the heating coil 11a may be circular, elliptical, square, or the like. The heating coil 11a may also be a shape made up of multiple pieces, for example, a circular shape made up of multiple sectors.

[0131] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first cooking area A1 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view of the top plate 10, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first cooking area A1 may have an elliptical shape in a plan view of the top plate 10.

[0132] (Embodiment 3) A third embodiment of the present invention, a cooking appliance, will now be described.

[0133] Embodiment 3 will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 3, components identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0134] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of an example of a heating appliance 1C according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

[0135] Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the top plate 10 has a third cooking area A3, and a third heating unit 13 is located below the third cooking area A3.

[0136] As shown in Figure 13, in the heating appliance 1C, the top plate 10 has a third cooking area A3. In a plan view of the top plate 10, the third cooking area A3 is located between the first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2. The third cooking area A3 is located behind the first cooking area A1 in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10, and to the side of the second cooking area A2 in the left-to-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10.

[0137] In a plan view of the top plate 10, the third cooking area A3 is smaller than the first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2.

[0138] The cooking appliance 1C further comprises a third heating unit 13 located below the third cooking area A3. The third heating unit 13 heats the object to be heated located in the third cooking area A3. For example, the third heating unit 13 is a heating coil or a heater.

[0139] The operation display unit 30 displays information related to the third heating unit 13. In other words, the display unit 31 in the operation display unit 30 displays information related to the third heating unit 13. For example, the operation display unit 30 displays information such as the heating temperature of the third heating unit 13, heating time, heating mode, automatic cooking menu, and whether or not there is an object to be heated.

[0140] The operation display unit 30 operates the third heating unit 13. In other words, the operation unit 32 operates the third heating unit 13 in the operation display unit 30. For example, the operation display unit 30 displays operation buttons for operating the third heating unit 13 and accepts operations from the user.

[0141] [effect] The cooking appliance 1C according to Embodiment 3 provides the following effects.

[0142] In the heating appliance 1C, the top plate 10 has a third cooking area A3 between the first cooking area A1 and the second cooking area A2 in a plan view of the top plate 10. The third cooking area A3 is located behind the first cooking area A1 in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10, and next to the second cooking area A2 in the left-to-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. The heating appliance 1C includes a third heating unit 13 located below the third cooking area A3. This configuration allows for an increase in the cooking area and improves convenience. Furthermore, the third cooking area A3 on the top plate 10 does not reduce the space available for the operation display unit 30.

[0143] The operation display unit 30 displays information related to the third heating unit 13 and allows the user to operate the third heating unit 13. With this configuration, even if the third cooking area A3 is increased, the operation display unit 30 located on the top plate 10 allows the user to view information related to the third heating unit 13 and operate the third heating unit 13. This improves convenience. For example, if the operation display unit 30 is composed of a touch panel LCD, it is not necessary to provide a new display unit and operation unit to accommodate the third cooking area A3 and the third heating unit 13.

[0144] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation display unit 30 displays information related to the third heating unit 13 and the third heating unit 13 is operated, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the top plate 10 only needs to have a display unit 31 that displays information related to the third heating unit 13. The top plate 10 does not need to have an operation unit 32 for operating the third heating unit 13.

[0145] (Embodiment 4) A heating appliance according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will now be described.

[0146] Embodiment 4 will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 4, components identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 3 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in Embodiment 4, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 3 will be omitted.

[0147] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of an example of a heating appliance 1D according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Figure 15 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the heating appliance 1D of Figure 14 with the top plate 10 removed.

[0148] Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 3 in that it includes a first optical output unit 14 arranged around the first heating unit 11 and a second optical output unit 15 arranged around the second heating unit 12.

[0149] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the heating appliance 1D includes a first optical output unit 14 and a second optical output unit 15.

[0150] The first light output unit 14 is positioned around the first heating unit 11 in a plan view of the top plate 10 and outputs light. In a plan view of the top plate 10, the first light output unit 14 is provided with a first notch SP1 that exposes the first heating unit 11 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. In this embodiment, the first light output unit 14 has a ring shape, and the first notch SP1 is provided on both sides of the first light output unit 14 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. This makes it possible to make the first light output unit 14 symmetrical in a plan view of the top plate 10, thereby improving aesthetics.

[0151] The first light output unit 14 emits light toward the top plate 10, indicating the position where the object to be heated should be placed. The first light output unit 14 also changes the intensity of the light output according to the heating temperature.

[0152] The second light output unit 15 is positioned around the second heating unit 12 in a plan view of the top plate 10 and outputs light. In a plan view of the top plate 10, the second light output unit 15 is provided with a second notch SP2 that exposes the second heating unit 12 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. In this embodiment, the second light output unit 15 has a ring shape, and the second notch SP2 is provided on both sides of the second light output unit 15 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. This makes it possible to make the second light output unit 15 symmetrical in a plan view of the top plate 10, thereby improving aesthetics.

[0153] The second light output unit 15 emits light toward the top plate 10, indicating the position where the object to be heated should be placed. The second light output unit 15 also changes the intensity of the light output according to the heating temperature.

[0154] For example, the first light output unit 14 and the second light output unit 15 are LEDs.

[0155] The first optical output unit 14 and the second optical output unit 15 are controlled by the control unit 40.

[0156] In the left-right direction (X direction) of the cooking appliance 1D, the first heating unit 11 is positioned close to the left inner wall of the main body 2. In a plan view of the cooking appliance 1D, the first notch SP1 of the first optical output unit 14 is provided around the first heating unit 11 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the main body 2. Therefore, the first heating unit 11 can be positioned closer to the left inner wall of the main body 2 by the space of the first notch SP1.

[0157] In the left-right direction (X direction) of the cooking appliance 1D, the second heating unit 12 is positioned close to the right inner wall of the main body 2. In a plan view of the cooking appliance 1D, the second notch SP2 of the second light output unit 15 is provided around the second heating unit 12 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the main body 2. Therefore, the second heating unit 12 can be positioned closer to the right inner wall of the main body 2 by the space of the second notch SP2.

[0158] Therefore, the distance between the first heating section 11 and the second heating section 12 in a plan view of the main body 2 can be increased. This allows for a larger space to place the operation display unit 30A, and the operation display unit 30A can be made larger.

[0159] [effect] The cooking appliance 1D according to Embodiment 4 provides the following effects.

[0160] The heating appliance 1D includes a first light output unit 14 and a second light output unit 15. The first light output unit 14 is positioned around the first heating unit 11 in a plan view of the top plate 10 and emits light. The second light output unit 15 is positioned around the second heating unit 12 in a plan view of the top plate and emits light. In a plan view of the top plate 10, the first light output unit 14 is provided with a first notch SP1 that exposes the first heating unit 11 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. In a plan view of the top plate 10, the second light output unit 15 is provided with a second notch SP2 that exposes the second heating unit 12 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10. With this configuration, the distance between the first heating unit 11 and the second heating unit 12 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate can be increased, and the space for arranging the operation display unit 30 on the top plate 10 can be increased. This allows the operation display unit 30 to be made larger, thereby improving convenience.

[0161] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first notches SP1 are provided on both sides of the first optical output section 14 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first notches SP1 may be provided on the side of the top plate 10 that is closer to the left inner wall of the main body 2 in the left-right direction (X direction). The first notches SP1 may not be provided on the side of the top plate 10 that is further from the left inner wall of the main body 2 in the left-right direction (X direction).

[0162] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the second notches SP2 are provided on both sides of the second optical output section 15 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the top plate 10, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second notches SP2 may be provided on the side of the top plate 10 that is closer to the right inner wall of the main body 2 in the left-right direction (X direction). The second notches SP2 may not be provided on the side of the top plate 10 that is further from the right inner wall of the main body 2 in the left-right direction (X direction).

[0163] Furthermore, the second optical output unit 15 may have a notch provided on the rear side, i.e., on the side closer to the rear inner wall of the main body 2, in addition to, or integrated with, the second notch SP2, or in place of the second notch SP2. This allows the second heating unit 12 to be positioned on the rear side, and increases the width of the operation display unit 30 in the front-to-back direction (Y direction).

[0164] (Embodiment 5) A fifth embodiment of the present invention, a cooking appliance, will now be described.

[0165] Embodiment 5 will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 5, components identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in Embodiment 5, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0166] Figure 16 is a schematic plan view of an example of a heating appliance 1E according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heating appliance 1E according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. In Embodiment 5, the "control unit 40" of Embodiment 1 is referred to as the "first control unit 40," the "operation display unit 30" as the "first operation display unit 30," the "display unit 31" as the "first display unit 31," and the "operation unit 32" as the "first operation unit 32."

[0167] Embodiment 5 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the heating cooker 1E is equipped with a first communication unit 41 and communicates with an external device 50.

[0168] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the cooking appliance 1E is equipped with a first communication unit 41.

[0169] The first communication unit 41 communicates with the external device 50. The first communication unit 41 includes a circuit that communicates with the external device 50 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The predetermined communication standard includes, for example, LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, HDMI (registered trademark), CAN (controller area network), and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).

[0170] The first communication unit 41 is controlled by the first control unit 40.

[0171] The first control unit 40 transmits display information to the external device 50 via the first communication unit 41. The first control unit 40 also receives operation information from the external device 50 via the first communication unit 41. The display information includes information related to the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the storage compartment 20. The operation information includes information for operating the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, or the energy operating unit 21. For example, the operation information includes information related to operations such as turning the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the energy operating unit 21 on or off, setting the heating temperature, setting the heating time, setting the heating mode, setting the automatic menu, and setting the grill menu.

[0172] <External device> The external device 50 is a device that communicates with the cooking appliance 1 via wired or wireless communication. The external device 50 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or an external controller. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the external device 50 communicates with the cooking appliance 1 via wired communication. In the case of wireless communication, short-range communication is preferable. From a safety standpoint, it is preferable to restrict remote operation of the cooking appliance 1. With wired or short-range wireless communication, the user is generally close to the cooking appliance 1 and can respond immediately in case of an emergency. This allows, for example, if the cooking appliance 1 is placed in a kitchen facing the living area, it can be operated using the external device 50 from either the front or the back. When the external device 50 is connected to the cooking appliance 1 via wide-range communication such as wireless LAN, it is preferable that operations on the external device 50 are limited to sending menus to the cooking appliance 1, updating programs, and obtaining electricity usage history, etc. When the external device 50 communicates with the cooking appliance 1 via wired communication, it is preferable that the connection terminals are located on the top or side of the cooking appliance.

[0173] As shown in Figure 17, the external device 50 includes a second operation display unit 51, a second communication unit 52, and a second control unit 53.

[0174] The second operation display unit 51 includes a second display unit 54 and a second operation unit 55. The second display unit 54 displays display information related to the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the storage compartment 20. The second operation unit 55 receives operation information for operating the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the energy application unit 21.

[0175] In this embodiment, the second operation display unit 51 is composed of a second display unit 54 and a second operation unit 55 integrated into one unit. The second operation display unit 51 includes, for example, a touch panel liquid crystal.

[0176] The second communication unit 52 communicates with the first communication unit 41 of the cooking appliance 1E. The second communication unit 52 includes a circuit that communicates with the first communication unit 41 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The predetermined communication standard includes, for example, LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, HDMI (registered trademark), CAN (controller area network), and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).

[0177] The second communication unit 52 receives display information transmitted from the first communication unit 41. The second communication unit 52 also transmits operation information entered by the second operation display unit 51 to the first communication unit 41.

[0178] The second communication unit 52 is controlled by the second control unit 53.

[0179] The second control unit 53 controls the second operation display unit 51 and the second communication unit 52. For example, the second control unit 53 displays the display information received by the second communication unit 52 on the second display unit 54 of the second operation display unit 51. The control unit 53 transmits the operation information from the user received by the second operation unit 55 of the second operation display unit 51 to the first communication unit 41 via the second communication unit 52.

[0180] The second control unit 53 can be implemented using, for example, semiconductor elements. For instance, the second control unit 53 can be composed of a microcomputer, CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The functions of the second control unit 53 may be implemented using hardware alone, or they may be implemented by combining hardware and software.

[0181] For example, the second control unit 53 reads data and programs stored in the memory unit and performs various calculations to realize a predetermined function.

[0182] In this manner, the heating appliance 1E transmits display information to the external device 50 via the first communication unit 41. The external device 50 receives the display information via the second communication unit 52 and displays the display information on the second display unit 54 of the second operation display unit 51.

[0183] Furthermore, the external device 50 receives operation information via the second operation unit 55 of the second operation display unit 51 and transmits the operation information to the cooking appliance 1E via the second communication unit 52. The cooking appliance 1E receives the operation information via the first communication unit 41 and operates the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12 and / or the energy application unit 21 based on the operation information.

[0184] [effect] The heating appliance 1E according to Embodiment 5 provides the following effects.

[0185] The heating cooker 1E includes a first communication unit 41 that transmits display information related to the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, and the storage compartment 20 to an external device 50. With this configuration, display information can be transmitted to the external device 50 and displayed on the external device 50. This improves convenience.

[0186] The first communication unit 41 receives operation information from the external device 50 to operate the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, or the energy application unit 21. With this configuration, the cooking appliance 1E can receive operation information from the external device 50 and control the first heating unit 11, the second heating unit 12, or the energy application unit 21 based on the operation information. This improves convenience.

[0187] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first communication unit 41 transmits display information and receives operation information, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first communication unit 41 may transmit display information but not receive operation information. Alternatively, the first communication unit 41 may receive operation information but not display information.

[0188] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the second communication unit 52 receives display information and transmits operation information, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second communication unit 52 may receive display information but not transmit operation information. Alternatively, the second communication unit 52 may transmit operation information but not receive display information.

[0189] In this embodiment, an example in which the external device 50 includes a second operation display unit 51 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the external device 50 may include a second display unit 54 and not include a second operation unit 55. Alternatively, the external device 50 may include a second operation unit 55 and not include a second display unit 54.

[0190] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the second operation display unit 51 is a touch panel liquid crystal, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in the second operation display unit 51, the second display unit 54 may be an LED, and the second operation unit 55 may be a physical button. Alternatively, the second operation unit 55 may be an audio input unit such as a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0191] In this embodiment, an example in which one external device 50 communicates with the cooking appliance 1E has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, multiple external devices 50 may communicate with the cooking appliance 1E.

[0192] In this embodiment, the storage compartment 20 may be omitted. For example, as shown in Figure 12, if the cooking appliance 1B has multiple heating coils 11a, the operation display unit 30 can display more information even without the storage compartment 20, and a larger size increases convenience.

[0193] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, in a plan view of the top plate 10, a sensor 26 for detecting contact or proximity of the object to be heated to the operation display unit 30 may be provided below the second heating unit 12 (second cooking area A2) and the operation display unit 30 in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the top plate 10. This makes it possible to suppress the transfer of heat generated from the second heating unit 12 to the operation display unit 30 via the object to be heated C1.

[0194] Furthermore, a similar sensor 26 may be provided below the top plate 10 in the left-right direction (X direction) between the first heating unit 11 (first cooking area A1) and the operation display unit 30. Examples of the sensor 26 include a capacitive touch sensor, an infrared temperature sensor, a contact temperature sensor (thermocouple, thermistor), and a brightness sensor. This helps to prevent the pot from coming into close proximity to the operation display unit 30 during heating.

[0195] Although the present invention has been fully described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, as long as they do not fall outside that scope. [Industrial applicability]

[0196] The heating appliance of this disclosure can be applied to induction heating appliances and the like that which display a display unit on the top plate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 1A,1AA,1B,1C,1D,1E Heating cooker 2 Main unit 3 space 4 Kitchen 4a recess 4aa First recess 4ab Second recess 4b Top surface 10 Top Plate 10a Top 11 1st heating section 12 Second heating section 13 Third heating section 14. First Optical Output Section 15. Second Optical Output Section 20 detention facilities 21 Energy-acting part 22 Opening and closing doors 23 Confinement Rooms 24 storage dishes 25 Power switch 26 sensors 30,30A Operation display section (1st operation display section) 31 Display section (1st display section) 32 Operation unit (1st operation unit) 40 Control Unit (First Control Unit) 41. First Communications Department 50 External device 51 Operation display section (second operation display section) 52 Second Communications Department 53 Second Control Unit 54 2nd display section 55 2nd operation section A1 First Cooking Area A2 Second Cooking Area A3 Third Cooking Area C1 Object to be heated C2 Containment CL1 center line SP1 First cutout SP2 Second cutout

Claims

1. The main body and A top plate is placed on the main body and has a first cooking area and a second cooking area on which the object to be heated is placed, A first heating unit is located below the first cooking area, A second heating unit is located below the second cooking area, A storage compartment located inside the main body and below the top plate, An energy-acting unit that releases or absorbs energy to the contents stored in the aforementioned storage facility, The top plate is provided with an operation display unit that accepts user input for operating the first heating unit, the second heating unit, or the energy application unit, and displays information relating to at least the heating power or heating time, A control unit that controls the first heating unit, the second heating unit, the energy application unit, and the operation display unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned operation display unit is not located above the storage compartment and is located within the width of the main body in the left-right direction. Heating cooker.

2. The main body and A top plate is placed on the main body and has a first cooking area and a second cooking area on which the object to be heated is placed, A first heating unit is located below the first cooking area, A second heating unit is located below the second cooking area, A storage compartment located inside the main body and below the top plate, An energy-acting unit that releases or absorbs energy to the contents stored in the aforementioned storage facility, A display unit is provided on the top plate to display information related to the first heating unit, the second heating unit, and the storage compartment. A control unit that controls the first heating unit, the second heating unit, the energy application unit, and the display unit, Equipped with, The display unit is not positioned above the storage compartment and is positioned within the width of the main body in the left-right direction. Heating cooker.

3. The operation display unit includes a touch panel LCD, A heating appliance according to claim 1.

4. The top plate has a third cooking area provided between the first cooking area and the second cooking area in a plan view of the top plate. The aforementioned cooking appliance further comprises a third heating section located below the third cooking area. A heating appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first cooking area and the second cooking area are arranged in the left-right direction of the top plate, The operation display unit is positioned in front of only one of the first cooking area or the second cooking area in the front-to-back direction of the top plate. A heating appliance according to claim 1.

6. The operation display unit includes the operation display unit of the storage unit, and the heating appliance does not have an operation display unit on its front surface. A heating appliance according to claim 1.

7. The storage compartment further has an opening and closing door located on the front of the storage area, The aforementioned opening and closing door is arranged across the entire front surface of the main body. A cooking appliance according to claim 6.

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