Cooking apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a cooking apparatus. The invention disclosed herein is characterized by comprising: a heated object detection unit for detecting whether a heated object is sitting in each of divided areas; and a display unit for displaying, on a top plate, information about the shape and position of an area to be heated, wherein the display unit displays the information, about the shape and position of the area to be heated, on the top plate by turning on the display lamp closest to a horizontal boundary surface of the heating target area among a plurality of display lamps.

Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance, and more particularly, to a cooking appliance including a cooktop.

[0002] Cooking appliances are a type of home appliance used for cooking food. They are installed in kitchens and cook food according to the user's preferences. These cooking appliances can be categorized in various ways based on the heat source, form, or type of fuel used.

[0003] Cooking appliances can be categorized by their cooking method. They can be categorized into open and closed types, based on the space in which the food is placed. Closed types include ovens and microwave ovens, while open types include cooktops and hobs.

[0004] Among open cooking appliances, cooktops are designed to heat food contained in a cooking vessel through at least one burner. These cooktops may be provided with electric burners or gas burners. Furthermore, cooktops can be implemented as standalone units or as oven ranges that include an oven beneath the cooktop.

[0005] An example of a cooktop equipped with an electric burner is an induction cooker. An induction cooker performs cooking functions using induction heating. In an induction cooker, when current is applied to the heating coil, eddy currents are generated in the magnetic cooking vessel. These eddy currents act as resistance, heating the cooking vessel and cooking food.

[0006] These induction cookers do not require gas combustion and therefore do not produce exhaust gases. Furthermore, by generating heat immediately within the container itself, induction cookers minimize heat transfer through radiation or conduction, allowing for rapid heating of food.

[0007] Typically, in an induction heating cooker, the position where the cooking vessel is to be placed is marked on the top plate above the heating coil, and the cooking vessel is heated by the heating coil while placed on the marked position.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance having an improved structure that can effectively display information related to a heated object through an indicator light.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved cooking appliance that suppresses size increase due to a structure for implementing an indicator light.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance having an improved structure that facilitates access to electrical components.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a cooking appliance, comprising: a heated object detection unit that detects whether a heated object is mounted in each of the divided areas so that each divided area can be divided into either a mounted area or a non-mounted area; and a display unit that displays information on the shape and position of a heating target area determined as a result of a combination of mounted areas on a top plate, wherein the display unit is characterized in that it displays information on the shape and position of the heating target area on the top plate by lighting up one of a plurality of horizontally arranged indicator lights that is closest to a horizontal boundary surface of the heating target area.

[0012] A cooking appliance according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a top plate including a plurality of divided regions arranged in a horizontal direction, wherein a heated object can be placed; a heated object detection unit that detects whether a heated object is placed in each of the divided regions so that each of the divided regions can be divided into either the placing region or the non-placement region; and a display unit that displays information on the shape and position of a heating target region determined as a result of a combination of the placing regions on the top plate.

[0013] In addition, the display unit preferably includes a plurality of indicator lights arranged in a horizontal direction, and among the plurality of indicator lights, the one closest to the horizontal boundary surface of the heating target area is turned on to display information about the shape and position of the heating target area on the top plate.

[0014] In addition, it is preferable that the horizontal boundary surface of the heating target area is defined by the horizontal boundary surface of the settling area arranged within the heating target area.

[0015] In addition, each of the above indicator lights is preferably placed on the horizontal boundary surface of the above-mentioned division area.

[0016] In addition, it is preferable that the lateral boundary surface of the heating target area is defined by the lateral boundary surface of the settling area disposed within the heating target area.

[0017] Additionally, each of the above indicator lights is preferably positioned on the lateral boundary surface of the above-mentioned division area.

[0018] In addition, it is preferable that among the plurality of above indicator lights, the one closest to the lateral boundary surface of the heating target area is lit.

[0019] It is also preferable that at least one pair of the above indicator lights be lit on both sides of the heating target area.

[0020] In addition, it is preferable that among the plurality of above indicator lights, the one closest to one lateral boundary surface of the heating target area and the one closest to the other lateral boundary surface of the heating target area are each turned on.

[0021] In addition, it may further include a heating detection unit that detects the heating state of the heated body mounted on the top plate.

[0022] In addition, it is preferable that the display unit changes the lighting state of the indicator light based on the detection result of the heating detection unit.

[0023] In addition, it is preferable that the heating detection unit measures the temperature of the heated body mounted on the top plate.

[0024] In addition, it is preferable that the display unit adjusts the color of the indicator light based on the temperature measurement result of the heating detection unit.

[0025] In addition, the present invention may further include a control panel that displays information on the shape and position of the heating target area on a screen.

[0026] In addition, it is preferable that the control panel display a basic screen expressing the shape of the top plate and an icon expressing the heating target area.

[0027] Additionally, it is preferable that the position of the icon on the basic screen is expressed to correspond to the position of the heating target area on the top plate.

[0028] In addition, it is preferable that the icon display at least one of information on the shape of the heating target area and information on the heating status of the heated object placed in the heating target area.

[0029] Additionally, it is preferable that the icon display information on at least one of the cooking mode, heating target temperature, current temperature, and heating time in the heating target area.

[0030] Additionally, it is preferable that the above icon be provided in the form of a touch button for selecting an action associated with the above icon.

[0031] Additionally, the present invention may further include a plurality of operating elements that, when activated, are configured to control the operation of the cooking appliance.

[0032] In addition, it is preferable that the selection of an object to be activated among the plurality of operating elements is made based on the results of determining the shape and position of the heating target area.

[0033] In addition, it is preferable that the above-described operating members are arranged in a set number, and a plurality of the above-described division areas are classified into the above-described unit areas in a set number.

[0034] In addition, it is preferable that different operating elements are allocated to each of the above unit areas, and that one of the multiple operating elements allocated to the unit area disposed within the heating target area is activated.

[0035] In addition, the present invention may further include a fire indicator unit that indicates whether the operating member is activated.

[0036] In addition, it is preferable that the number of the above-mentioned fire indicators is arranged corresponding to the number of the above-mentioned operating members, and that a different fire indicator is assigned to each of the above-mentioned operating members.

[0037] In addition, it is preferable that the one assigned to the activated operating member among the plurality of above-mentioned fireball indicators be lit.

[0038] In addition, it is preferable that each of the above-mentioned crater display sections be provided with a plurality of auxiliary indicator lights that indicate the positions of the entire plurality of the above-mentioned division areas included in the above-mentioned top plate.

[0039] In addition, it is preferable that an auxiliary indicator light be turned on to indicate the position of the plurality of above-mentioned division areas within the above-mentioned heating target area.

[0040] It is also desirable that multiple crater indicators are arranged along a direction parallel to the multiple array directions.

[0041] In addition, each of the above burner indicators is preferably positioned on the rear side of the operating member and on the upper surface of the cooking appliance formed by the top plate.

[0042] In addition, the operating member may include a knob rotatably installed on the cooking appliance; and a knob ring rotatably installed on the cooking appliance to surround the knob and rotate independently of the knob.

[0043] Additionally, the knob is preferably configured to control the heating temperature of the cooking appliance.

[0044] Additionally, the knob ring is preferably used to control the heating time of the cooking appliance.

[0045] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance capable of effectively displaying information related to a heated object through an indicator light.

[0046] In addition, the present invention provides a cooking appliance having an improved structure so that information related to a heated object can be obtained and the cooking appliance can be operated simultaneously on one screen.

[0047] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance having a knob that can effectively guide a knob to be operated.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the cooktop illustrated in Figure 1 in isolation.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the lighting status of the indicator lights of the cooktop illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0051] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the exploded state of the cooktop illustrated in Figure 2.

[0052] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing the configuration of the heating unit illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0053] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the arrangement structure of the heating coil and sensing coil illustrated in Figure 5.

[0054] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement structure of a sensing coil.

[0055] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the state in which the electric components are installed on the bottom surface of the supporter.

[0056] Figure 9 is a bottom view showing the bottom of the supporter.

[0057] Figure 10 is a bottom view showing a lighting module installed on the bottom of the supporter.

[0058] Figure 11 is a bottom view showing the state in which various PCBs and fans are installed on the bottom of the supporter.

[0059] Fig. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the electric components are installed on the supporter illustrated in Fig. 11.

[0060] Figure 13 is a side view showing the assembled state of the cooktop.

[0061] Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view showing the case separated from the cooktop illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0062] Figure 15 is a plan view showing a coil assembly installed on the upper surface of the supporter.

[0063] Figure 16 is a plan view showing a state in which a diffusion member is installed on a supporter.

[0064] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a diffusion member is installed on a supporter.

[0065] Figure 18 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 17.

[0066] Fig. 19 is a plan view showing the light-emitting area of ​​the indicator light shown in Fig. 16.

[0067] Figure 20 is a plan view showing another example of an indicator light.

[0068] Fig. 21 is a plan view showing the light-emitting area of ​​the indicator light shown in Fig. 20.

[0069] Figure 22 is a plan view showing another example of an indicator light.

[0070] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cooktop.

[0071] Figure 24 is a plan view schematically showing the division area of ​​the top plate.

[0072] Fig. 25 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which a heating target area is indicated on the top plate illustrated in Fig. 24.

[0073] Fig. 26 is a drawing showing a state in which all indicator lights are turned on in the top plate illustrated in Fig. 24.

[0074] Figure 27 is a plan view showing the cooktop in a power-off state.

[0075] Figures 28 to 32 are drawings showing examples of the implementation status of the welcome light of the cooktop.

[0076] Figure 33 is a drawing showing an example of a state of detection of a heated body of a cooktop.

[0077] Fig. 34 is a drawing showing an example of the operation process of the cooktop in the state illustrated in Fig. 33.

[0078] Figure 35 is a drawing showing the heating progress of the cooktop.

[0079] Figure 36 is a drawing showing the boiling detection status of the cooktop.

[0080] Fig. 37 is a drawing showing an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of the cooktop in the state illustrated in Fig. 36.

[0081] Figure 38 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which a cooktop detects movement of a heated object.

[0082] Fig. 39 is a drawing showing an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of the cooktop in the state illustrated in Fig. 38.

[0083] Figure 40 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which the cooktop detects a heating element additionally installed on the cooktop.

[0084] 41 is a drawing showing an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of the cooktop in the state illustrated in FIG. 40.

[0085] Figure 42 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which automatic cooking mode is in progress on a cooktop.

[0086] Fig. 43 is a drawing showing an example of the operation process of the cooktop in the state illustrated in Fig. 42.

[0087] Figure 44 is a drawing showing the residual heat display status of the cooktop.

[0088] Fig. 45 is a drawing showing an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of the cooktop in the state illustrated in Fig. 44.

[0089] Fig. 46 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Fig. 47 is a plan view showing the cooktop illustrated in Fig. 46 in isolation.

[0091] Figure 48 is a drawing showing the lighting status of the cooktop indicator lights and the screen display status of the control panel.

[0092] Fig. 49 is a drawing showing the division state of the heating unit illustrated in Fig. 48.

[0093] Figures 50 to 53 are drawings showing examples of the state of detection of a heated body of a cooktop.

[0094] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0095] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0097] The attached drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in an exaggerated size or thickness for convenience of understanding, etc., but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited due to this.

[0098] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" in the specification do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0099] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0100] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0101] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components intervening there.

[0102] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0103] When the cooker is placed on the floor, the direction in which the door is installed relative to the center of the cooker is defined as the front. Therefore, the direction in which the door opens and the cooker enters is the rear. For convenience, these forward and rearward directions can be referred to as the first direction. Therefore, the front can be considered one side of the first direction, and the rear can be considered the other side of the first direction.

[0104] Additionally, we can define the direction of gravity as downward, and the opposite direction of gravity as upward.

[0105] Also, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the forward-backward direction of the cooking appliance, i.e., the width direction of the cooking appliance when looking at it from the front of the cooking appliance door, can be referred to as the left-right direction. For convenience, the left-right direction can be referred to as the second direction. Then, the right side can be considered one side of the second direction, and the left side can be considered the other side of the second direction.

[0106] Additionally, the width direction of the above cooking appliance may be referred to as the lateral direction. Then, the right side may be referred to as one side of the lateral direction, and the left side may be referred to as the other side of the lateral direction.

[0107] And, the above-mentioned up-down direction can be called the third direction. Then, the up direction can be said to be one side of the third direction, and the down direction can be said to be the other side of the third direction.

[0108] Additionally, the vertical direction described above can be called the vertical direction. Then, the horizontal direction can be included including the front-back direction and the left-right direction, that is, the first direction and the second direction.

[0109] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0110] [Overall structure of the cooking appliance]

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment may include a cooktop (100). In addition, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment may further include an oven section (10). In the present embodiment, the cooking appliance is exemplified as being provided in the form of an oven range.

[0112] The cooking appliance of the present embodiment, provided in the form of an oven range, can provide both the functions of an oven, which is a closed cooking appliance, and the functions of a cooktop, which is an open cooking appliance. Such a cooking appliance may include an oven section (10) and a cooktop (100).

[0113] A cooking chamber can be formed inside the oven section (10). In the oven section, food can be cooked while the inside of the cooking chamber is heated.

[0114] The oven section (10) may be provided with a heating section for heating the cooking chamber. The heating section may be provided with a heating device that uses gas fuel or with a heater that uses electricity.

[0115] A cooking appliance may be provided with a pivotable door (11) for selectively opening and closing the cooking chamber. As an example, the door may be provided in a pull-down manner in which the upper portion of the door pivots up and down around the lower portion, thereby opening and closing the cooking chamber.

[0116] A control panel (13; hereinafter referred to as the "main control panel") may be provided on the front upper portion of the cooking appliance. The main control panel (13) may form part of the front exterior of the cooking appliance. The main control panel (13) may be provided with various switches for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance and a display for indicating the operating status of the cooking appliance.

[0117] A cooktop (100) may be placed on the upper side of the oven section (10). The cooktop is provided to heat food or a container containing food placed on the upper side of the cooktop (100).

[0118] [Overall structure of the cooktop]

[0119] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the exploded state of the cooktop illustrated in Figure 2.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the cooktop (100) may include a case (110) and a top plate (120). According to the present embodiment, the exterior of the cooktop (100) may be formed by the case (110) and the top plate (120). The case (110) may be disposed below the top plate (120) and may form the front, back, side, and bottom surfaces of the cooktop. The top plate (120) may be disposed on the top of the cooktop (100) and may form the upper exterior surface of the cooktop (100).

[0121] A receiving space may be formed inside the case (110). The receiving space formed inside the case (110) may be opened upward. For example, the case (110) may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open upper side. Various internal components constituting the cooktop (100) may be accommodated in the receiving space surrounded by the top plate (120) and the case (110).

[0122] According to the present embodiment, the case (110) may include a bottom portion (105). The bottom portion (105) forms the bottom surface of the case (110) and may define a lower boundary surface of the receiving space. The bottom portion (105) may be arranged on the lower side of the top plate (120) and may form a plane parallel to the top plate (120).

[0123] Additionally, the case (110) may include a side wall portion (113). The side wall portion (113) may form the front, back, and both sides of the case (110), and may be formed in the form of a vertical wall extending upward from the edge of the bottom portion (105). This side wall portion (113) may define a horizontal boundary surface of the receiving space.

[0124] Additionally, the cooktop (100) may be equipped with a heating element for heating food to be cooked or a container containing food. The heating element may be equipped with at least one burner. For example, the burner may be equipped in a form including a heating coil or a heating wire coil that utilizes electricity.

[0125] In this embodiment, the cooktop (100) is exemplified as being provided in the form of an induction heating cooking device. The cooking zone of this cooktop (100) may include a heating coil. The cooking zone including the heating coil may be operated by a high-frequency current applied by an inverter, thereby generating a strong magnetic field.

[0126] In this way, the magnetic field lines generated in the burner including the heating coil generate eddy currents in the container, and as the eddy currents flow in the container, heat is generated, so that the container can be heated, and as the container is heated, food contained in the container can be heated.

[0127] In addition, the cooktop (100) of the present embodiment may be equipped with a control panel (130; hereinafter, referred to as a "cooktop control panel"). The cooktop control panel (130) may be arranged on the top plate (120), but may be arranged at a position tilted forward. The cooktop control panel (130) may be equipped with various switches for controlling the operation of the cooktop (100) and a display for indicating the operating status of the cooktop (100).

[0128] A cooktop (100) may be provided with a plurality of indicator lights (L). The indicator lights (L) may be displayed on the top plate (120) of the cooktop. These indicator lights (L) may display information related to the position of the food to be heated or the cooking vessel containing the food (hereinafter referred to as "heating target"), the heating status of the heating target, the temperature, etc.

[0129] [Heating unit]

[0130] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing the configuration of the heating unit shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the arrangement structure of the heating coil and sensing coil shown in Fig. 5, and Fig. 7 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement structure of the sensing coil.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cooktop (100) may include a coil assembly (140). The coil assembly (140) is provided to constitute a heating unit of the cooktop (100) and may be placed in a receiving space within the cooktop (100).

[0132] The coil assembly (140) may include a plurality of heating coils (142). As an example, each heating coil (142) may be provided in the form of a spiral coil formed in a pattern on a substrate. That is, the heating coil (142) may be provided in the form of a pattern formed on a pattern coil array (141).

[0133] In the pattern coil array (141), a plurality of heating coils (142) may be provided. That is, in the pattern coil array (141), a plurality of heating coils (142) may be formed in a pattern shape on a PCB-shaped substrate portion (B). In this pattern coil PCB, a plurality of heating coils (142) may be arranged along the front-back direction, and a plurality of heating coils (142) may also be arranged in the lateral direction.

[0134] The coil assembly (140) may include a plurality of pattern coil arrays (141). As an example, the coil assembly (140) may include a plurality of pattern coil arrays (141) arranged in a lateral direction.

[0135] Each heating coil (142) provided in each pattern coil array (141) may be formed in a square pattern. As another example, the heating coil (142) may be formed in a hexagonal pattern or a circular pattern. As another example, the heating coil (142) may be provided in a wire-wound form instead of in a patterned form on the PCB.

[0136] The heating coil (142) can transmit electromagnetic force to the heated object. In addition, the pattern coil array (141) in which the heating coil (142) is formed can apply high-frequency power to the heating coil (142) and control the circuit to provide an induced current to the heating coil (142).

[0137] In the pattern coil array (141), not only a heating coil (142) but also a sensing coil (143) may be formed. In the pattern coil array (141), a plurality of sensing coils (143) may be provided. That is, in the pattern coil array (141), a plurality of sensing coils (143) may be arranged along the front-back direction, and a plurality of sensing coils (143) may also be arranged in the lateral direction.

[0138] The sensing coil (143) may be provided in a patterned form on a PCB (hereinafter referred to as a “sensing coil PCB”) different from the PCB on which the heating coil (142) is patterned (hereinafter referred to as a “heating coil PCB”). The pattern coil array (141) may be provided in a form in which the heating coil PCB and the sensing coil PCB are stacked vertically. As an example, the pattern coil array (141) may be formed in a form in which 10 to 12 heating coil PCBs and two container detection PCBs are stacked vertically.

[0139] Additionally, at least one of the heating coil PCB and the sensing coil PCB may be provided in a form in which coils are patterned on both sides of the substrate. In the present embodiment, it is exemplified that the heating coil (142) is patterned on both sides of the heating coil PCB, and the sensing coil (143) is patterned on both sides of the sensing coil PCB.

[0140] When the heating coil PCB and sensing coil PCB provided as above are laminated, an insulating adhesive such as prepreg may be applied between them. Accordingly, insulation and bonding between the laminated heating coil PCB and sensing coil PCB can be achieved.

[0141] Each sensing coil (143) may be placed inside each heating coil (142) formation area, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and may also be placed between two adjacent heating coil (142) formation areas.

[0142] As an example, a plurality of heating coils (142) may be arranged along the front-back direction in one pattern coil array (141), and a plurality of sensing coils (143) may also be arranged along the front-back direction in this pattern coil array (141).

[0143] Some of the sensing coils (143) may be placed inside the forming area of ​​each heating coil (142), and other of the sensing coils (143) may be placed between two heating coils (142) adjacent in the front-rear direction.

[0144] In this embodiment, two sensing coils (143) are each placed inside each heating coil (142) forming area, and two sensing coils (143) are each placed between two heating coils (142) adjacent in the front-back direction.

[0145] In addition, a temperature sensor (144) may be provided in the coil assembly (140). The temperature sensor (144) may be installed in the pattern coil array (141) to measure temperature. As an example, the temperature sensor (144) may be placed at the center of each sensing coil (143).

[0146] As an example, the coil assembly (140) may be provided in a form in which a heating coil (142), a sensing coil (143), and a temperature sensor (144) are integrally formed. For example, a pattern coil array (141) is formed in a form in which a heating coil PCB provided with a heating coil (142) and a sensing coil PCB provided with a sensing coil (143) and a temperature sensor (144) are laminated, and the coil assembly (140) may be provided in a form including one or more of such pattern coil PCBs.

[0147] As described above, a plurality of heating coils (142) and sensing coils (143) may be arranged in the coil assembly (140). The number of heating coils (142) and the number of sensing coils (143) may vary depending on the size of the cooktop.

[0148] For example, in the cooktop of some models among the 36-inch model and the 30-inch model, about two heating coils (142) and about 76 sensing coils (143) may be arranged, and in the cooktop of some models among the 30-inch model and the 24-inch model, about 16 heating coils (142) and about 56 sensing coils (143) may be arranged. Also, in the 24-inch model, five heating coils (142) and 26 sensing coils (143) may be arranged.

[0149] [supporter]

[0150] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which electrical components are installed on the bottom surface of the supporter, and Fig. 9 is a bottom view showing the bottom surface of the supporter. In addition, Fig. 10 is a bottom view showing a state in which a lighting module (180) is installed on the bottom surface of the supporter, and Fig. 11 is a bottom view showing a state in which various PCBs and fans are installed on the bottom surface of the supporter, and Fig. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which electrical components are installed on the supporter shown in Fig. 11. In addition, Fig. 13 is a side view showing an assembled state of the cooktop, and Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view showing a state in which the case is separated from the cooktop shown in Fig. 13.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 4, 8, and 9, the cooktop (100) according to the present embodiment may include a supporter (150). The supporter (150) may be placed on the lower side of the top plate (120). This supporter (150) may be placed in a space surrounded by the top plate (120) and the case (110), i.e., a receiving space.

[0152] The supporter (150) may form a frame within the cooktop (100) to support various internal components constituting the cooktop. As an example, the supporter (150) may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open lower side. For example, the supporter (150) may be formed in a shape that is roughly the case (110) turned upside down, but may be formed to be slightly smaller than the case (110).

[0153] According to the present embodiment, the supporter (150) may include a supporter body (151, 152). The supporter body (151, 152) forms a horizontal skeleton of the supporter (150) and may form a plane parallel to the bottom (105) or top plate (120) of the case (110). As an example, the upper surface (151; hereinafter, referred to as the “upper support surface of the supporter”) of the supporter body (151, 152) may form a plane parallel to the top plate (120), and the lower surface (152; hereinafter, referred to as the “lower support surface of the supporter”) of the supporter body (151, 152) may form a plane parallel to the bottom (105) of the case (110).

[0154] Additionally, the supporter (150) may include a side portion (153). The side portion (153) may form the front, back, and both sides of the supporter (150), and may be formed in the form of a vertical wall extending downward from the edge of the supporter body (151, 152).

[0155] As an example, the supporter (150) may be provided as an injection-molded product in which the supporter body (151, 152) and the side portion (153) are integrally molded.

[0156] According to the present embodiment, the accommodation space can be formed inside the supporter (150), and can be formed as a space surrounded by the bottom part (105) of the case (110) and the supporter (150). That is, various internal components constituting the cooktop (100) can be accommodated inside the supporter (150).

[0157] [Installation structure of coil assembly and ferrite core]

[0158] The supporter (150) is placed on the lower side of the coil assembly (140) and can support the coil assembly (140) from the lower side. That is, the coil assembly (140) is placed between the supporter (150) and the top plate (120) and can be installed on the coil assembly (140).

[0159] According to the present embodiment, the supporter (150) may also provide a coil base function. That is, a ferrite core (160) may be installed on the supporter (150), more specifically, on the upper support surface (151), and the coil assembly (140) may be installed on the upper side of the supporter (150) on which the ferrite core (160) is installed. For example, the ferrite core (160) may be installed on the upper support surface (151) between the supporter (150) and the top plate (120). In addition, the coil assembly (140) may be placed on the upper side of the ferrite core (160).

[0160] As an example, the ferrite core (160) may be formed by a combination of multiple ferrite modules provided as separate components. That is, the ferrite core (160) may be provided in a structure that can be separated into multiple ferrite modules.

[0161] In this embodiment, it is exemplified that each ferrite module can be individually coupled to the upper support surface (151). To this end, a structure for fitting-fitting with the ferrite module can be formed on the upper support surface (151). Each ferrite module can be coupled to the upper support surface (151) by fitting-fitting with this structure.

[0162] Each ferrite module includes ferrite capable of forming a magnetic field around the ferrite module. As an example, each ferrite module may be provided in a form in which the ferrite is insert-molded.

[0163] According to the ferrite core (160) formed by a combination of a plurality of ferrite modules provided as described above, the number of working hours required to install the ferrite core (160) in the cooktop (100) can be reduced. In addition, the ferrite core (160) has an advantage in that, if a part of the ferrite core (160) is damaged, it can be repaired by replacing the ferrite module of the corresponding part.

[0164] [Lighting module]

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 and 8 to 11, each indicator light (L) can be implemented by a lighting module (180). The lighting module (180) is configured to emit light toward the light display area of ​​the top plate (120). As an example, the indicator light (L) can be implemented by light that the lighting module (180) illuminates on the light display area of ​​the top plate (120).

[0166] In this embodiment, the light display area is defined as an area where light emitted from the lighting module (180) can be recognized externally through the top plate (120), i.e., an area where light emitted from the lighting module (180) is illuminated on the top plate (120), and is a predetermined portion of the entire area of ​​the top plate (120).

[0167] As an example, the light display area may be a virtual area designated as a portion where light emitted from a lighting module (180) is to be illuminated on the top plate (120). In this case, the light display area is not a portion that is visibly displayed on the top plate (120) by a method such as performing a separate surface treatment on the surface of the top plate (120), but is merely a virtual area.

[0168] As another example, the light display area may be an area that is conspicuously displayed on the top plate (120), such as by performing a separate surface treatment on the surface of the top plate (120).

[0169] The lighting module (180) may include a light source unit (D). As an example, an LED may be applied as the light source unit (D), but the type of light source applicable to the light source unit (D) is not limited to an LED. In the present embodiment, the light source unit (D) is provided in a form that uses an LED as a light source.

[0170] The lighting module (180) may include a plurality of light source parts (D), and each lighting module (180) may have a plurality of light source parts (D) arranged at a predetermined interval in the front-back direction. As an example, the lighting module (180) may be provided in a form in which a plurality of light source parts (D) are mounted on a PCB-shaped substrate part (B). The number of light source parts (D) per lighting module (180) and the front-back length of the substrate part (B) may be appropriately set according to the size and intensity of the lighting to be implemented through the lighting module (180).

[0171] In addition, a plurality of lighting modules (180) may be arranged on the cooktop, and the plurality of lighting modules (180) may be arranged laterally spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The number of lighting modules (180) and the interval between the lighting modules (180) may be appropriately set in consideration of the size and number of heating coils (142), the interval between the heating coils (142), etc.

[0172] At least a portion of the lighting module (180) may be placed between the supporter (150) and the bottom portion (105). As an example, the lighting module (180) may be placed in the receiving space. More specifically, the lighting module (180) may be placed in a space surrounded by the bottom portion (105) of the case (110) and the supporter (150).

[0173] The lighting module (180) may be supported by the supporter (150). As an example, the lighting module (180) may be coupled to the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150). The lighting module (180) may be coupled to the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150) with the light source portion (D) facing upward.

[0174] A plurality of light-emitting holes (h) may be provided in the supporter (150). Each light-emitting hole (h) may be formed to penetrate vertically through the supporter (150). In addition, a plurality of light-emitting holes (h) may also be provided in the coil assembly (140), and these may be formed in the substrate portion (B) disposed between the top plate (120) and the lighting module (180).

[0175] According to the present embodiment, a plurality of heating coils (142) may be arranged at a predetermined interval along the horizontal direction. A light-emitting hole (h) may be arranged between the heating coils (142) arranged at such a distance.

[0176] As an example, a plurality of pattern coil arrays (141) may be arranged along the lateral direction. For the lateral direction, a light-transmitting hole (h) may be arranged between the pattern coil arrays (141).

[0177] In addition, a plurality of heating coils (142) provided in each of the pattern coil arrays (141) may be arranged at a predetermined interval along the lateral direction. In the coil assembly (140), a light-emitting hole (h) may be arranged between them. With respect to the lateral direction, the light-emitting hole (h) may be arranged between the heating coils (142) and on the outside of the heating coils (142).

[0178] For example, the light-emitting hole (h) may be placed in an area of ​​the coil assembly (140) where the heating coil (142) is not placed, and the heating coil (142) and the light-emitting hole (h) may be placed alternately in the lateral direction in the coil assembly (140).

[0179] In the coil assembly (140), a light-emitting hole (h) may be formed to penetrate the coil assembly (140) in the vertical direction. In this way, a plurality of light-emitting holes (h) formed in the coil assembly (140) may be vertically connected to a plurality of light-emitting holes (h) provided in the supporter (150). That is, each light-emitting hole (h) provided in the coil assembly (140) may be connected to each light-emitting hole (h) provided in the supporter (150).

[0180] As described above, the light-emitting hole (h) provided in the supporter (150) and coil assembly (140) can form a passage connecting the lighting module (180) and the light display area.

[0181] According to the present embodiment, the substrate portion (B) of the lighting module (180) may be placed on the lower side of the supporter body (151, 152) and may be coupled to the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150). At least a portion of the light source portion (D) mounted on the upper surface of the substrate portion (B) may be exposed toward the light transmitting hole (h) formed in the supporter (150).

[0182] As an example, the light source unit (D) may be positioned vertically below the light projection hole (h). As another example, at least a portion of the light source unit (D) may be inserted into the light projection hole (h) formed in the supporter (150).

[0183] Light emitted from the light source (D) can be irradiated upwards through the supporter (150) and the coil assembly (140) via the light-emitting hole (h) arranged on the upper side of the light source (D). In this way, an indicator light (L) can be implemented by light irradiated upwards toward the light display area.

[0184] [Front part installation structure]

[0185] Various electrical components can be installed inside the cooktop (100), i.e., in the receiving space. For example, a main PCB (171), a switching mode power supply (SMPS; 162), an inverter PCB (Inverter PCB; 163), a resonant PCB (Resonant PCB; 164), a noise filter (EMI filter; 165), a fan (176), etc. can be placed in the internal space of the cooktop (100).

[0186] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned electrical components are collectively referred to as an electrical unit (170). The electrical unit (170) may include at least one of a power processing unit and a coil control unit. The power processing unit is provided to supply power to the coil assembly (140), and the power processing unit may include a switching mode power supply (SMPS; 162), a noise filter (EMI filter; 165), etc. The coil control unit is provided to control the operation of the coil assembly (140), and the coil control unit may include an inverter PCB (174), etc.

[0187] According to the present embodiment, at least one of the power processing unit and the coil control unit constituting the electric unit (170) may include a substrate (B) and a circuit element (E). As an example, various electric components provided in the electric unit (170) may each include a substrate (B) and a circuit element (E) mounted on the substrate (B).

[0188] The front part (170) is placed on the lower side of the supporter body (151, 152) and can be placed in the space between the bottom part (105) of the case (110) and the supporter body (151, 152).

[0189] As an example, the front part (170) can be installed on the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150), as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 11, and 12. The front part (170) can be assembled to the supporter in a form in which it is coupled to the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150) facing downward. In other words, the front part (170) can be assembled to the supporter (150) in an inverted state.

[0190] For example, the electrical components can be assembled in a form in which the substrate portion (B) is installed on the lower support surface (152) and the circuit elements (E) face downward. When the substrate portion (B) is installed on the lower support surface (152) with the circuit elements (E) facing downward, the circuit elements (E) can be placed between the bottom portion of the case (110) and the substrate portion (B).

[0191] As an example, a fastening boss (155) may be provided on the supporter (150). The fastening boss (155) may be formed to protrude downward from the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150). For example, each of the substrate portions (B) constituting the electrical components may be connected to the supporter (150) by a screw or the like that is fastened to the fastening boss (155).

[0192] A support protrusion (115) may be provided in the case (110). The support protrusion (115) is placed inside the cooktop (100), i.e., in the receiving space, and may protrude upward from the bottom (105) of the case (110) toward the electrical components.

[0193] These support protrusions (115) can suppress sagging of electrical components such as the main PCB (171), switching mode power supply (172), inverter PCB (173), resonance PCB (174), and noise filter (175) by supporting the electrical components from the lower side.

[0194] [Component installation structure using supporters]

[0195] In a cooktop (100) having a plurality of heating coils (142), such as the cooktop (100) of the present embodiment, each heating coil (142) must be individually controlled. A large number of electrical components, such as a main PCB (171), a switching mode power supply (172), an inverter PCB (173), a resonance PCB (174), and a noise filter (175), must be placed inside the cooktop (100), and the number of these components increases as the number of heating coils (142) increases. Therefore, a sufficient space must be secured inside the cooktop (100) having a plurality of heating coils (142), such as the cooktop (100) of the present embodiment, to accommodate the electrical components.

[0196] However, in a situation where the number of electrical components increases and the overall size of the cooktop (100), particularly the thickness of the cooktop (100), is to be reduced, it is not easy to secure sufficient space inside the cooktop (100) to accommodate the electrical components. In particular, when a lighting module (180) is added to the cooktop (100), it is not easy to secure the space necessary to accommodate the electrical components inside the cooktop (100).

[0197] Considering these points, in the present embodiment, the lighting module (180) may be installed in a form in which the lighting module (180) is stacked on the supporter (150) together with the coil assembly (140). To this end, the coil assembly (140) may be installed on the upper support surface (151), and the lighting module (180) may be installed on the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150). That is, the lighting module (180) may be installed on the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150) together with various electrical components arranged on the lower side of the supporter body (151, 152).

[0198] The position of the lighting module (180) relative to the coil assembly (140) can be set between the heating coils (142). That is, each lighting module (180) can be placed in a gap between the heating coils (142) in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane formed by the coil assembly (140).

[0199] In addition, the vertical position of the lighting module (180) relative to the electrical components can be set between the supporter body (151, 152) and the electrical components. That is, each lighting module (180) can be placed in the gap between the electrical component positioned on the lower side of the supporter body (151, 152) and the supporter body (151, 152).

[0200] According to the present embodiment, the electrical components can be coupled to the fastening bosses (155) protruding from the supporter (150), and thus a gap can be created between the electrical components coupled to the supporter (150) and the bottom surface of the supporter (150). In the present embodiment, the lighting module (180) can be placed in the gap formed between the bottom surface of the supporter (150) and the electrical components.

[0201] According to the present embodiment, the lighting module (180) may be installed on the supporter (150) before other electrical components are installed on the supporter (150). For example, in a state where no electrical components are installed on the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150) (see FIG. 9), the lighting module (180) may be installed on the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150) first (see FIG. 10), and then other remaining electrical components, such as the main PCB (171), may be installed.

[0202] In addition, the horizontal position of at least one of the plurality of lighting modules (180) may be set between the electrical components. That is, with respect to the direction parallel to the horizontal plane formed by the supporter (150), at least one lighting module (180) may be placed in a gap between the electrical components.

[0203] In this embodiment, since the lighting module (180) is installed in the gap that is inevitably formed between the heating coils (142) and the gap formed between the bottom surface of the supporter (150) and the electrical components, there is no need to secure a separate space for installing the lighting module (180) inside the cooktop (100).

[0204] That is, since the lighting module (180) can be effectively installed inside the cooktop (100) without having to secure a separate space for installing the lighting module (180), a cooking appliance can be provided in which the number of heating coils (142) is increased or performance is improved while maintaining a compact size.

[0205] As an example, the assembly of components inside the cooktop (100) can be performed in the following order.

[0206] First, a ferrite core (160) can be installed on the upper support surface (151). As an example, the installation of the ferrite core (160) can be accomplished by fitting a plurality of ferrite modules constituting the ferrite core (160) onto the upper support surface (151).

[0207] Then, as described above, the coil assembly (140) can be installed on the upper side of the ferrite core (160) installed on the upper surface of the supporter (150). The installation of the coil assembly (140) can be performed in a form in which the coil assembly (140) is installed on the upper side of the ferrite core (160) or the coil assembly (140) is coupled to the upper surface of the supporter (150) from the upper side of the ferrite core (160).

[0208] When the assembly of the supporter (150), the ferrite core (160), and the coil assembly (140) is completed, the lighting module (180) can be installed while the supporter (150) is flipped over so that the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150) faces upward. The installation of the lighting module (180) can be performed by attaching the lighting module (180) to the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150) while the lighting module (180) is in close contact with the lower surface of the supporter (150).

[0209] After the assembly of the supporter (150) and the lighting module (180) is completed in this manner, the electric part (170) can be installed. The electric part (170) can be connected to the lower support surface (152) of the supporter (150) with the electric parts facing downward. That is, the electric part (170) can be assembled to the supporter (150) in an inverted state.

[0210] After the assembly of the main body (170) is completed, the assembly of the case (110) and the supporter (150) can be performed. As an example, the assembly of the case (110) and the supporter (150) can be performed by joining the side wall portion (113) of the case (110) and the side portion (153) of the supporter (150).

[0211] Then, the top plate (120) is coupled to at least one of the case (110) and the supporter (150) on the upper side of the case (110) and the supporter (150), so that the case (110), the supporter (150), and the top plate (120) can be assembled.

[0212] As the coil assembly (140), ferrite core (160), supporter (150), lighting module (180), and electrical part (170) are assembled inside the cooktop (100) in the above-described form, an assembly structure in which the coil assembly (140), ferrite core (160), supporter (150), lighting module (180), and electrical part (170) are stacked in the vertical direction can be provided in the cooktop (100) of the present embodiment.

[0213] At this time, the coil assembly (140) is installed on the upper support surface (151), and the electric part (170) is installed on the lower surface of the supporter (150), which is the back surface thereof. Accordingly, the coil assembly (140) and the electric parts are installed together on the same member (supporter body), and can be positioned in very close positions with one thin member (supporter body) in between.

[0214] A plurality of through holes can be formed to penetrate vertically in the supporter body (151, 152), and wiring for connecting the coil assembly (140) and electrical components can penetrate vertically through the supporter (150) through these through holes.

[0215] That is, since the coil assembly (140) and the electric part (170) are positioned very close to each other and installed together in a single member, the wiring for connecting the coil assembly (140) and the electric parts can be effectively simplified.

[0216] A typical cooktop is structured such that electrical components are installed on the bottom of the case, and a ferrite core, coil, and top plate are sequentially stacked on top of them. To repair electrical components in a cooktop with this structure, all components stacked on top of the electrical components, such as the ferrite core, coil, and top plate, must first be removed. In other words, in a typical cooktop, repairing the electrical components requires disassembling almost all components in the reverse order of assembly, a complex and cumbersome process.

[0217] In contrast, in the cooktop (100) of the present embodiment, the electrical components are not installed in the case (110), but are installed in the supporter (150), and the supporter (150) is detachably coupled to the case (110). That is, in the cooktop (100) of the present embodiment, only the case (110) positioned at the bottom of the cooktop (100) can be detached from the cooktop (100), and even if the case (110) is detached from the cooktop (100), the electrical components can remain fixed inside the cooktop (100).

[0218] Accordingly, in the cooktop (100) of the present embodiment, access to the space inside the cooktop (100) where electrical components are installed is possible only when the case (110) located at the bottom of the cooktop (100) is separated. In this state, the electrical components installed inside the cooktop (100) can be replaced easily and quickly.

[0219] That is, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment can provide the effect of enabling maintenance work of the cooking appliance to be performed easily and quickly by allowing the worker to easily access the electrical components with only the simple task of separating the case (110) from the cooktop (100).

[0220] [Indicator light related structure]

[0221] Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a state in which a diffusion member is installed on a supporter, and Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a diffusion member is installed on a supporter. In addition, Fig. 18 is an enlarged view showing a part of Fig. 17, and Fig. 19 is a plan view showing a light-emitting area of ​​the indicator light shown in Fig. 16. In addition, Fig. 20 is a plan view showing another example of an indicator light, and Fig. 21 is a plan view showing a light-emitting area of ​​the indicator light shown in Fig. 20, and Fig. 22 is a plan view showing another example of an indicator light.

[0222] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, a diffusion member (190) may be provided on the cooktop (100). The diffusion member (190) is provided to enable a lighting module (180) having a light source (D), which is a point light source, to implement a surface light source.

[0223] This diffusion member (190) enables the lighting module (180) to implement a surface light source, thereby implementing lighting in a form in which the boundaries between each light source are hidden, and also serves to make the light of the lighting displayed through the light display area of ​​the top plate (120), i.e. the light of the indicator light (L), appear in a softly spread form.

[0224] As an example, the diffusion member (190) may be provided in the form of a sheet attached to the coil assembly (140). For example, the diffusion member (190) may be provided in the form of a sheet attached to at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate portion (B) of the coil assembly (140). This diffusion member (190) may be attached to the coil assembly (140) while covering the light transmitting hole (h).

[0225] As another example, a lighting cover may be installed on the upper side of the lighting module (180). The lighting cover may surround the lighting module (180) from the upper side and protrude toward the upper side of the coil assembly. Such a lighting cover protects the light source unit (D) and is designed to allow light emitted from the light source unit (D) to pass through.

[0226] A diffusion member (190) may be provided on the upper surface of the lighting cover. For example, the diffusion member (190) may be formed in a form that is attached to or coated on the upper surface of the lighting cover.

[0227] As another example, at least a portion of the above-described light cover may be formed of a material capable of diffusing light. In this case, the diffusion member (190) may be at least a portion of the light cover.

[0228] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 19, a plurality of indicator lights (L) may be arranged in the light display area of ​​the cooktop (100). As an example, a plurality of indicator lights (L) may be arranged in the front-to-back direction, and may be arranged in a straight line along the front-to-back direction. A combination of indicator lights (L) arranged in this manner (hereinafter referred to as a "vertical indicator light array (125B)") may be arranged in a plurality along the lateral direction.

[0229] For example, a plurality of vertical indicator light arrays (125B) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the lateral direction. The intervals between the vertical indicator light arrays (125B) may be set to correspond to the lateral length of each heating coil (142). As an example, each vertical indicator light array (125B) may be arranged between each heating coil (142).

[0230] In this case, the indicator light (L) may be provided in the form of at least one of a plurality of vertical lines being lit. For example, the indicator light (L) may be provided in the form of vertical lines being lit on both sides of the lateral direction of the heating element mounted on the top plate (120) of the cooktop (100).

[0231] As another example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 20, and 21, a plurality of indicator lights (L) may be arranged laterally, but may also be arranged in a straight line along the lateral direction. A combination of indicator lights (L) arranged in this manner (hereinafter referred to as a "horizontal indicator light array (125A)") may be arranged in multiple numbers along the lateral direction.

[0232] For example, a plurality of horizontal indicator light arrays (125A) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the front-back direction. The intervals between the horizontal indicator light arrays (125A) may be set to correspond to the front-back length of each heating coil (142). As an example, each horizontal indicator light array (125A) may be arranged between each heating coil.

[0233] In this case, the indicator light (L) may be provided in a form in which at least one of a plurality of vertical lines and horizontal lines is lit. For example, the indicator light (L) may be provided in a form in which vertical lines that are lit on both sides in the lateral direction of the heating body mounted on the top plate (120) of the cooktop (100) are combined with horizontal lines that are lit on both sides in the front-back direction of the heating body.

[0234] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the vertical indicator light array (125B) and the horizontal indicator light array (125A) may be positioned only at portions adjacent to the corners of each heating coil (142). In this case, the indicator lights (L) may be provided in a form that lights up at both front and rear corners of the heating element mounted on the top plate (120) of the cooktop (100).

[0235] [UI / UX related configuration of the top]

[0236] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cooktop, and Fig. 24 is a plan view schematically showing the division areas of the top plate. In addition, Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the heating target area is indicated in the top plate shown in Fig. 24, and Fig. 26 is a diagram showing a state in which all indicator lights are turned on in the top plate shown in Fig. 24.

[0237] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 6 and 23 to 24, the top plate (120) forms the upper surface appearance of the cooktop (100), and a heating target to be cooked by the cooktop (100) can be mounted on the top plate (120). This top plate (120) can include a plurality of divided regions (Vp) arranged in the horizontal direction. That is, the top plate (120) can be divided into a plurality of divided regions (Vp) arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0238] In this embodiment, the dividing area (Vp) can be defined as an area affected by the influence of the heating coil (142) arranged on the lower side thereof. For example, if 30 heating coils (142) are arranged horizontally on the lower side of the top plate (120), a corresponding number of 30 dividing areas (Vp) can be arranged horizontally on the top plate (120).

[0239] At this time, each of the segmented areas (Vp) can be arranged vertically above the heating coil (142) closest to it. For example, the shape and size of the area occupied by each of the segmented areas (Vp) in the horizontal direction can be set to correspond to the shape and size of the area occupied by the heating coil (142) closest to it in the horizontal direction.

[0240] That is, it can be said that a heating coil (142) having a corresponding horizontal shape and size is placed on the vertical lower side of each division area (Vp).

[0241] Each of the segmented areas (Vp) can be divided into either a settling area or a non-settling area. To this end, a heated object detection unit may be provided on the cooktop (100). The heated object detection unit can detect whether the heated object is settling in each of the segmented areas (Vp) so that the segmented area (Vp) can be divided into either a settling area or a non-settling area.

[0242] In this embodiment, the heated object detection unit is exemplified as including a plurality of sensing coils (143). As an example, some of the sensing coils (143) may be placed inside each of the segmentation areas (Vp), and other of the sensing coils (143) may be placed between two segmentation areas (Vp) adjacent in the front-rear direction.

[0243] For example, two sensing coils (143) may be placed inside each of the segmentation areas (Vp). Two sensing coils (143) may be placed on the boundary lines of two segmentation areas (Vp) adjacent in the front-back direction.

[0244] At this time, within each of the division areas (Vp), two sensing coils (143) can be arranged laterally spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The two sensing coils (143) arranged on the boundary line of the two division areas (Vp) can also be arranged laterally spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0245] Each sensing coil (143) can detect whether a heated object is settled in the separation area (Vp) where the sensing coil (143) is placed, and depending on the detection result, the separation area (Vp) can be divided into either a settlement area or a non-settlement area.

[0246] According to the present embodiment, the cooking appliance of the present embodiment may include a control unit (105). The control unit (105) may be provided to control the operation of the cooking appliance. The control unit (105) may divide the division area (Vp) into either a settling area or a non-settling area based on the detection result of the sensing coil (143). In addition, the control unit (105) may control the operation of the heating coil (142) based on a signal input through the control panel (130), the detection result of the sensing coil (143), the temperature detection unit (144), etc.

[0247] As an example, if at least one of the sensing coils (143) arranged in a certain segmentation area (Vp) detects the presence of a heated object, the segmentation area (Vp) in which the sensing coil (143) that detected the presence of the heated object is arranged can be identified as a settling area.

[0248] In addition, if at least one of the sensing coils (143) positioned on the boundary line of the two segmentation areas (Vp) detects the presence of a heated object, the two segmentation areas (Vp) adjacent to both sides in the front-rear direction of the sensing coil (143) that detected the presence of the heated object can be identified as the settling area.

[0249] Referring to Fig. 25, information on the shape and location of the heating target region (Vr) can be identified as a result of the combination of the settling regions identified as described above. In the present embodiment, one heating target region (Vr) is defined as a collection of settling regions identified as a result of detection for one heated object.

[0250] For example, when one heating target is mounted on the top plate (120), one heating target area (Vr) can be identified as a detection result of the heating target detection unit, and when two heating targets are mounted on the top plate (120), two heating target areas (Vr) can be identified as a detection result of the heating target detection unit.

[0251] Each heating target region (Vr) is identified as the result of a combination of at least one settling region. When one heating target region (Vr) includes two or more settling regions, these settling regions are arranged in positions that are connected to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0252] Information on the shape and position of the heating target area (Vr) identified as above can be displayed on the top plate (120) by the display unit, as shown in FIGS. 23 to 26.

[0253] In this embodiment, the display unit is exemplified as including a plurality of indicator lights (L) arranged on the top plate (120). The display unit can display information on the shape and position of the heating target area (Vr) on the top plate (120) using a plurality of indicator lights (L) arranged horizontally on the top plate (120).

[0254] As an example, the display unit can display information about the shape and position of the heating target area (Vr) on the top plate (120) by lighting up the indicator light (L) closest to the horizontal boundary of the heating target area (Vr) among a plurality of indicator lights.

[0255] According to the present embodiment, the heating target region (Vr) may include one settling region or may be formed by a combination of two or more settling regions. That is, at least one settling region is included within the heating target region (Vr).

[0256] The horizontal boundary of the heating target region (Vr) can be defined by the horizontal boundary of the mounting region arranged within the heating target region (Vr). When a plurality of mounting regions are arranged within the heating target region (Vr), the horizontal boundary of the heating target region (Vr) can be defined by the horizontal boundary of the horizontally outermost one among the plurality of mounting regions arranged within the heating target region (Vr).

[0257] And each indicator light (L) included in the display unit can be placed on the horizontal boundary surface of the division area (Vp).

[0258] As an example, the lateral boundary of the heating target region (Vr) may be defined by the lateral boundary of the lateral outermost one of the plurality of seating regions arranged within the heating target region (Vr). For example, if two laterally adjacent seating regions are arranged within the heating target region (Vr), the left boundary of the seating region arranged on the left and the right boundary of the seating region arranged on the right may become the lateral boundary of the heating target region (Vr).

[0259] And each indicator light (L) included in the display unit can be placed on the lateral boundary surface of the division area (Vp).

[0260] Hereinafter, the operation of the display unit will be explained by taking as an example the case where each indicator light (L) is placed on the lateral boundary surface of the division area (Vp).

[0261] According to the present embodiment, when a heated object is mounted on the top plate (120), a heated object detection unit including a plurality of sensing coils (143) arranged on the lower side of the top plate (120) can detect it. Based on the detection result of the heated object detection unit, the division areas (Vp) are divided into either a mounting area or a non-mounting area. And, as a result of the combination of the mounting areas identified as described above, information on the shape and position of the heating target area (Vr) can be identified.

[0262] Information on the shape and position of the heating target area (Vr) identified as described above can be displayed on the top plate (120) by a display unit. The display unit can display information on the shape and position of the heating target area (Vr) on the top plate (120) by lighting up the one of the plurality of indicator lights (L) closest to the lateral boundary surface of the heating target area (Vr).

[0263] At this time, at least one pair of indicator lights (L) can be turned on on both sides in the lateral direction of the heating target area (Vr). That is, the indicator light (L) closest to one lateral boundary surface of the heating target area (Vr) and the indicator light (L) closest to the other lateral boundary surface of the heating target area (Vr) can be turned on, respectively.

[0264] For example, when three laterally adjacent settling areas are arranged within a heating target area (Vr), an indicator light (L) arranged on the left boundary surface of the settling area arranged on the leftmost side and an indicator light (L) arranged on the right boundary surface of the settling area arranged on the rightmost side can be turned on together.

[0265] That is, when the seating area of ​​the 3rd row is placed within the heating target area (Vr), the indicator light (L) placed on the left boundary surface of the seating area placed in the 1st row and the indicator light (L) placed on the right boundary surface of the seating area placed in the 3rd row can be turned on together.

[0266] In addition, when the settling areas of multiple rows (Columns) are arranged within the heating target area (Vr), the indicator light (L) of the above type can be lit in the settling areas of all rows.

[0267] For example, when nine settling areas are arranged in a three-column and three-row arrangement within the heating target area (Vr), the indicator light (L) arranged on the left boundary surface of the entire settling area arranged in one column and the indicator light (L) arranged on the right boundary surface of the entire settling area arranged in three columns can be turned on together.

[0268] The indicator lights (L) lit in this manner can indicate the positions of the lateral boundary surfaces on both sides of the heating target area (Vr). In addition, the lateral length and the front-back length of the heating target area (Vr) can also be determined by the indicator lights (L) lit in this manner, and accordingly, the position and shape of the heating target area (Vr) can be determined.

[0269] Meanwhile, a heating detection unit may be provided on the cooktop (100). The heating detection unit is provided to detect the heating state of a heated object mounted on the top plate (120).

[0270] In this embodiment, the heating detection unit is exemplified as including a plurality of temperature sensors (144). Each temperature sensor (144), as an example, may be positioned at the center of each sensing coil (143). These temperature sensors (144) may be positioned within each of the respective segmented areas (Vp).

[0271] The display unit can change the lighting state of the indicator light (L) based on the detection result of the heating detection unit. As an example, the display unit can change the color of the indicator light (L) or the blinking pattern of the indicator light (L) based on the detection result of the heating detection unit.

[0272] For example, if the temperature of the heated object detected by the temperature sensor (144) placed in a certain segmentation area (Vp) is higher than a predetermined temperature, the color of the indicator light (L) placed in that segmentation area (Vp) may change from white to red, or the indicator light (L) placed in that segmentation area (Vp) may perform an operation of rapidly blinking.

[0273] [Example of the UI / UX of the top]

[0274] Fig. 27 is a plan view showing a power-off state of a cooktop, and Figs. 28 to 32 are drawings showing examples of welcome light implementation states of a cooktop. In addition, Fig. 33 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which a heated object is detected by a cooktop. In addition, Fig. 34 is a drawing showing an example of an operation process of a cooktop in the state shown in Fig. 33, and Fig. 35 is a drawing showing a state in which a heating progress of a cooktop is performed. In addition, Fig. 36 is a drawing showing a state in which a cooktop is boiled, and Fig. 37 is a drawing showing an example of a screen displayed on a control panel of a cooktop in the state shown in Fig. 36. In addition, Fig. 38 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which a cooktop detects movement of a heated object, and Fig. 39 is a drawing showing an example of a screen displayed on a control panel of a cooktop in the state shown in Fig. 38. In addition, FIG. 40 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which the cooktop detects a heating element additionally installed on the cooktop, and FIG. 41 is a drawing showing an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of the cooktop in the state shown in FIG. 40. In addition, FIG. 42 is a drawing showing an example of a state in which the automatic cooking mode is in progress on the cooktop, and FIG. 43 is a drawing showing an example of an operation process of the cooktop in the state shown in FIG. 42. In addition, FIG. 44 is a drawing showing a residual heat display state of the cooktop, and FIG. 45 is a drawing showing an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of the cooktop in the state shown in FIG. 44.

[0275] Hereinafter, the UI / UX implemented in the cooktop of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 45.

[0276] As illustrated in FIG. 27, when the cooktop (100) is turned on while the cooktop (100) is turned off, welcome lights may be implemented on the top plate (120) of the cooktop (100) as illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 32. The welcome lights may be implemented by lighting up the indicator light (L), or may be implemented in the form of an animation expressed by the blinking motion of the indicator light (L) at each location. In addition, the welcome lights may be implemented in a form that includes the blinking motion of a logo light (La) provided separately from the indicator light (L).

[0277] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 33, when a heated object (P) is placed on a cooktop (100), the position of the heated object (P) can be detected by a sensing coil (143). Depending on the position and number of sensing coils (143) that detect the heated object (P) among the plurality of sensing coils (143) provided on the cooktop (100), the size and position of the heated object (P) can be determined, and the rough shape of the heated object (P) can also be determined.

[0278] As described above, the indicator light (L) can be turned on according to the size and position of the heated object (P) detected by the sensing coil (143). As an example, the indicator lights (L) can be turned on on both sides of the lateral direction of the heated object (P), and the front-back length of each indicator light (L) can be formed to be longer than the front-back length of the heated object (P). For example, the heated object (P) can be placed inside an area surrounded by a pair of indicator lights (L) that are turned on as described above.

[0279] As described above, by means of the indicator lights, it can be indicated which area of ​​the heating section is the area for heating the object to be heated (P). That is, it can be clearly indicated which of the plurality of heating coils (142) will heat the object to be heated (P) mounted on the cooktop (100). For example, the position, number, etc. of the heating coils (142) prepared to heat the object to be heated (P) mounted on the cooktop can be clearly indicated by the indicator lights.

[0280] As described above, when a heated object (P) is detected on the cooktop (100), information on the shape and position of the heating target area (Vr) can be displayed on the screen of the cooktop control panel (130) provided on the cooktop (100).

[0281] As an example, the display of the cooktop control panel (130) may display a basic screen (131) expressing the shape of the top plate (120) and an icon (I) corresponding to the heating target (P) detected in the cooktop (100). As an example, the icon (I) may be provided in a form corresponding to the size and shape of the heating target (P). For example, the position of the icon (I) on the basic screen (131) may be expressed to correspond to the position of the heating target area (Vr) on the top plate (120).

[0282] As an example, the icon (I) can express information about the shape of the heating target area (Vr). That is, the icon (I) can express not only information about the position of the heating target area (Vr), but also information about the shape and size of the heating target area (Vr).

[0283] Additionally, the icon (I) may display information on at least one of the cooking mode, heating target temperature, current temperature, and heating time in the heating target area (Vr). In addition, the icon (I) may be provided in the form of a touch button for selecting an action associated with the icon (I).

[0284] Additionally, the cooktop control panel (130) may be provided with a setting menu bar (135) having various touch buttons for setting the functions of the cooktop (100). This setting menu bar (135) may be positioned at a position toward the front of the cooktop control panel (130).

[0285] As illustrated in FIG. 34, the user can select a heating element (P) that is the target of the icon (I) by touching or pressing the icon (I) (a). In this case, the user can perform an operation to control the operation of the cooking appliance with respect to the selected heating element (P).

[0286] For example, when a user presses an icon (I) to select a heating object (P) that is the target of the icon (I), the setting screen (135a) can be switched to a state for selecting a desired heating temperature (b). In this state, the user can press the touch button (136) of the setting screen (135a) to select a desired heating temperature for the corresponding heating object (P).

[0287] When the operation of the cooktop control panel (130) as described above is completed and heating of the heated object (P) starts accordingly, as shown in Fig. 35, the start of heating of the heated object (P) can be indicated through an indicator light (L).

[0288] As an example, whether heating of the heated object (P) has begun can be indicated by a change in the color of an indicator light. For example, when heating of the heated object (P) begins, the color of the indicator light (L) can change from white to red. That is, the user can see that heating of the heated object (P) has begun by seeing the indicator light (L) displayed in red.

[0289] As another example, whether the heated object (P) is heated may be indicated by a change in the blinking pattern of the indicator light (L), or whether the heated object (P) is heated may be indicated by a change in the shape of the indicator light (L).

[0290] Additionally, information about the heating status of the heated object (P) may be displayed by the cooktop control panel (130). In the cooktop control panel (130), an icon (I) may represent information about the shape of the heating target area (Vr).

[0291] As an example, information on the heating status of the heated object (P) may be displayed by changing at least one of the shape or color of the icon (I). For example, whether the heated object (P) is heated may be displayed by changing the color of the icon (I) to red or displaying a specific character or symbol on the icon (I).

[0292] In the cooktop (100) of the present embodiment, whether or not the food contained in the heating element (P) is boiling may be indicated through an indicator light (L). As an example, as illustrated in Fig. 36, when boiling of the food contained in the heating element (P) is detected by the cooktop (100), the lighting pattern of the indicator light (L) may change.

[0293] For example, when the boiling of food contained in the heated object (P) is detected by the cooktop (100), the state of the indicator light (L) may change from being continuously lit to blinking, or may change from being slowly blinking to being rapidly blinking.

[0294] Determining whether or not it is boiling can be done by a vibration sensor installed on the cooktop (100) or by a vision system installed on the outside of the cooktop (100).

[0295] In addition, when the boiling of food contained in the heated object (P) is detected by the cooktop (100) as described above, the cooktop (100) can automatically lower the output of the heating unit to prevent food from overflowing, as illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37. In this case, the cooktop (100) can provide user guidance that the temperature of the heated object (P) is maintained at a constant temperature by automatically lowering the output through the cooktop control panel (130), and can also provide such user guidance through the indicator light (L).

[0296] For example, when the cooktop (100) automatically lowers the output of the heating element to prevent food from overflowing, the state of the indicator light (L) may change from a state of rapid flashing to a state of slow flashing, or may change from a state of flashing to a state of continuous lighting.

[0297] In addition, the cooktop (100) of the present embodiment can track and display changes in the position of the heated object (P) on the cooktop (100), as illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 38. For example, when the position of the heated object (P) mounted on the top plate (120) changes, the cooktop (100) can detect changes through the sensing coil (143), and display the detected results through the indicator light (L).

[0298] For example, the lighting position of the indicator light (L) may also change in accordance with the change in the position of the heated object (P). In addition, the result of detecting the change in the position of the heated object (P) may also be displayed through the cooktop control panel (130), as illustrated in Fig. 39.

[0299] Referring to Fig. 40, when an additional heated object (P) is placed on the top plate (120), an indicator light (L) may also be additionally turned on. In addition, each indicator light (L) may be turned on in a shape and size suitable for expressing the size and shape of the heated object (P) that is the display target.

[0300] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 41, icons (I) may be added to the cooktop control panel (130). Each icon (I) may be provided in a form corresponding to the size and shape of the heating target (P) or heating target area (Vr) that is the display target. In addition, the position of each icon (I) on the basic screen (131) may be expressed to correspond to the position corresponding to the position of the heating target (P) or heating target area (Vr) on the top plate (120).

[0301] Referring to FIGS. 42 and 43, the user can select a heating element (P) that is the target of the icon (I) by pressing any one of the icons (I) displayed on the cooktop control panel (130) as described above, and perform an operation to control the operation of the cooking appliance with respect to the selected heating element (P).

[0302] Additionally, the cooktop (100) can automatically recommend cooking modes suitable for the shape of the selected heating element (P). The user can select any one of the recommended cooking modes to cause the cooktop (100) to perform automatic cooking.

[0303] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 43, when a user touches or presses a touch button for performing automatic cooking (a), and then touches or presses an icon (I) to select a heating element (P) that is the target of the icon (I) (a-b, the cooktop control panel (130) may output an operation selection screen (137) instead of outputting the basic screen (131) and the icon (I) (c). Recommended cooking modes may be displayed on the operation selection screen (137), and the user may select one of the cooking modes displayed on the operation selection screen (137) by touching or pressing it (d).

[0304] As illustrated in FIGS. 44 and 45, when heating is in progress for a plurality of heating elements (P), the user can stop heating for any one of them. At this time, the user can touch or press any one of the icons (I) indicated as being heated on the cooktop control panel (130) to stop the operation of the heating element indicated by the icon (I) (a).

[0305] If the operation of a heating part is stopped by the above operation, the cooktop (100) can display information related thereto.

[0306] As an example, the cooktop (100) may indicate through an indicator light that there is residual heat in an area where the heating unit has stopped operating. For example, the indicator light (L) may light up red on both sides of the area where residual heat exists and may operate in a slow blinking manner.

[0307] In addition, the location of the area where residual heat exists may be displayed on the cooktop control panel (130). For example, an icon (Ia) indicating the presence of residual heat using a specific character or symbol may be displayed on the cooktop control panel (130).

[0308] In addition, the location of the area where residual heat exists may be displayed on the cooktop control panel (130). For example, an icon (Ia) indicating the presence of residual heat using a specific character or symbol may be displayed on the cooktop control panel (130).

[0309] Even if the heated object (P) is removed from an area where the heating unit's operation has stopped, the presence of residual heat in the area where the heated object (P) has been removed can be indicated by an indicator light (L). In addition, the location of the area where residual heat exists can be indicated on the cooktop control panel (130) (c). At this time, the icon (Ib) indicating residual heat can be displayed in a different form from the icon (Ia) indicating residual heat before the heated object (P) is removed.

[0310] Meanwhile, for a plurality of heating elements (P) placed on a cooktop (100) that are in automatic cooking mode, an icon (Ib) displaying corresponding information may be output on the cooktop control panel (130).

[0311] [Other cooktop embodiments]

[0312] Fig. 46 is a perspective view showing a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 47 is a plan view showing the cooktop shown in Fig. 46 in an isolated state, and Fig. 48 is a drawing showing the lighting status of the indicator lights of the cooktop and the screen display status of the control panel. In addition, Fig. 49 is a drawing showing the division status of the heating unit shown in Fig. 48, and Figs. 50 to 53 are drawings showing examples of the state of the heated object detection of the cooktop.

[0313] Referring to FIGS. 46 to 48, a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include an operating member (N). As an example, the operating member (N) may be provided on a main control panel (23). For example, the main control panel (23) provided on the upper front side of the cooking appliance may be provided with a plurality of operating members (N) for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance and a display (24) for displaying the operating status of the cooking appliance.

[0314] The operating member (N) may be provided to be operable for either the oven section (10) or the cooktop (200), or may be provided to be operable for both the oven section (10) and the cooktop (200). In the present embodiment, the operating member (N) is exemplified as being provided to be operable for the cooktop (200). This operating member (N) may be operated for the oven section (10) when the oven section (10) is in operation.

[0315] According to the present embodiment, a set number of operating elements (N) can be arranged laterally spaced apart on the main control panel (23). In addition, the division area (Vp) of the top plate (120) can be classified into a set number of unit areas (Vu), as illustrated in Fig. 49. That is, the division area (Vp) of the top plate (120) can be classified into a number of unit areas (Vu) equal to the number of operating elements (N).

[0316] In addition, according to the present embodiment, different operating elements (N) may be assigned to each unit area (Vu). For example, the top plate (120) includes 12 segment areas (Vp) arranged in 2 rows and 6 columns, which may be classified into 6 unit areas (Vu). In this case, each unit area (Vu) may include two segment areas (Vp) arranged in the same column.

[0317] However, the number and arrangement of the division areas (Vp), the classification form of the unit areas (Vu), and the shape and size of each unit area (Vu) are not limited thereto, and it is to be noted that the division areas (Vp) of the top plate (120) can be classified into various types of unit areas (Vu).

[0318] For example, the top plate (120) may include 24 segmented areas arranged in 4 rows and 6 columns, which may be classified into 6 unit areas (Vu), and each unit area (Vu) may include 4 segmented areas (Vp) arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns.

[0319] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a cooking appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking as an example a case in which six operating elements (N) are provided on the main control panel (23) and the top plate (120) is divided into 12 division areas (Vp) and 6 unit areas (Vu).

[0320] According to the present embodiment, a set number of operating elements (N) can be arranged laterally. In addition, a set number of unit areas (Vu), i.e., a number of unit areas (Vu) corresponding to the number of operating elements (N), can also be arranged in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the operating elements (N), i.e., laterally.

[0321] In addition, a different operating element (N) may be assigned to each unit area (Vu). For example, the operating element (N1; hereinafter referred to as “first operating element”) that is positioned at the leftmost position among the plurality of unit areas (Vu) may be assigned to the unit area (Vu) that is positioned at the leftmost position among the plurality of unit areas (Vu), and the operating element (N6; hereinafter referred to as “sixth operating element”) that is positioned at the rightmost position among the plurality of unit areas (Vu) may be assigned to the unit area (Vu) that is positioned at the rightmost position among the plurality of unit areas (Vu).

[0322] Each operating element (N) can be activated based on the container detection result of the cooktop (200). The activated operating element (N) can control the operation of the cooking appliance, more specifically, the cooktop (200).

[0323] The selection of an activated target among a plurality of operating elements (N) can be made based on the shape and position identification results of the heating target area (Vr). In other words, the selection of an activated target among a plurality of operating elements (N) can be made based on the container detection results of the cooktop (200).

[0324] As an example, among the plurality of operating elements (N), one operating element (N) assigned to a unit area (Vu) placed within a heating target area (Vr) can be activated.

[0325] Each operating member (N) may include a knob (25). The knob (25) may be provided in a form that can be rotated. By rotating the knob (25), whether or not the heating unit is operating can be selected, the heating temperature of the heating unit can be selected, or any one of a plurality of cooking modes can be selected.

[0326] In addition, the operating member (N) of the present embodiment may further include a knob ring (26). The knob ring (26) may be installed on the cooking appliance so as to surround the periphery of the knob (25) and be rotatable independently of the knob (25). As an example, the knob ring (26) may be arranged on the diametrically outer side of the knob (25). For example, the knob ring (26) may be formed in a ring shape that surrounds the knob (25) from the diametrically outer side.

[0327] The knob ring (26) can serve to support the knob (25) and enhance the appearance of the cooking appliance by finishing the exterior surrounding the knob (25). In addition, the knob ring (26) of the present embodiment can serve as a timer operation switch and a display that displays the timer time and the intensity of the fire.

[0328] The above knob ring (26) is installed so as to be independently rotatable relative to the knob, and the timer time can be set through the rotation operation of the knob ring (26) installed in this manner. In addition, the knob ring (26) is equipped with a display, and the timer time and the intensity of the firepower can be displayed through the display (see Fig. 53).

[0329] Referring to FIGS. 48 and 49, a cooktop (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a cooktop control panel (230). The cooktop control panel (230) may include a display for indicating the operating status of the cooktop and various switches for controlling the operation of the cooktop (200). As an example, the display and various switches may be provided in the form of a touch panel (231).

[0330] In addition, the cooktop control panel (130) may be provided with a burner display unit (D). The burner display unit (D) is provided to display whether the operating member (N) is activated. The burner display unit (D) is provided to display which of a plurality of operating members (N) is activated. In addition, the burner display unit (D) is provided to display the position of the divided area that is the target of operation of the activated operating member (N) (hereinafter referred to as “target burner position”).

[0331] According to the present embodiment, a set number of burner indicators (D), i.e., a number of burner indicators (D) corresponding to the number of operating elements (N), can be arranged in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the operating elements (N), i.e., in the lateral direction. For example, in the cooktop control panel (130), six operating elements (N) and six burner indicators (D) can be arranged laterally, respectively.

[0332] In addition, a different fireball indicator (D) may be assigned to each operating member (N). For example, the fireball indicator (D1; hereinafter referred to as “first fireball indicator (D1)”) positioned at the leftmost position among the plurality of fireball indicators (D) may be assigned to the operating member (N) positioned at the leftmost position among the plurality of operating members (N), and the fireball indicator (D6; hereinafter referred to as “sixth fireball indicator (D6)”) positioned at the rightmost position among the plurality of fireball indicators (D) may be assigned to the operating member (N) positioned at the rightmost position among the plurality of operating members (N).

[0333] As an example, each burner indicator (D) may be placed on the upper surface of the cooking appliance formed by the top plate (120). Such burner indicator (D) may be placed on the rear side of the operating member (N).

[0334] The above-mentioned fireball indicator (D) may be configured to be turned on, as illustrated in Fig. 50. According to the present embodiment, among the plurality of fireball indicators (D), the fireball indicator (D) assigned to the activated operating member (N) may be turned on. For example, when the sixth operating member (N) is activated, the sixth fireball indicator (D6) (D6) may be turned on.

[0335] Each crater display unit (D) may include a plurality of auxiliary indicator lights (233). The auxiliary indicator lights (233) are provided to indicate the positions of the entire plurality of division areas (Vp) included in the top plate (120).

[0336] The auxiliary indicator lights (233) provided in each crater display unit (D) can be arranged in a form corresponding to the arrangement of the crater, i.e., the arrangement of the division area (Vp). For example, a total of 12 auxiliary indicator lights (233) can be arranged in 2 rows and 6 columns for each crater display unit (D). Each auxiliary indicator light (233) can be turned on independently.

[0337] According to this embodiment, the auxiliary indicator light (233) may be turned on to indicate the position of a segmentation area (Vp) positioned within a heating target area (Vr) among a plurality of segmentation areas (Vp).

[0338] Referring to FIG. 23 and FIG. 50, when the heated object is placed on the cooktop (200), the position of the heated object can be detected by the sensing coil (143). In this way, the indicator light (L) can be turned on according to the size and position of the heated object detected by the sensing coil (143).

[0339] As described above, by means of the indicator light (L) that lights up, the position, number, etc. of the heating coil (142) prepared to heat the object to be heated mounted on the cooktop (200) can be clearly displayed by the indicator light (L). In addition, when the indicator light (L) lights up as described above, each of the burner display sections (D) can clearly display the target burner position.

[0340] As an example, if a heated object (circular mark on the right) is placed in an area allocated to the two rightmost rows of unit areas (Vu) among the six columns of unit areas (Vu), the sixth fireball display unit (D6) (D6) can display the target fireball location. If a heated object is placed only in the two rows of unit areas (Vu) located on the front side among the two columns of unit areas (Vu), only two auxiliary indicator lights (233) located on the front right side among a total of 12 auxiliary indicator lights (233) in the sixth fireball display unit (D6) (D6) can be turned on.

[0341] The user can clearly see that the auxiliary indicator light (233) in the sixth burner display section (D6) (D6) is lit and can understand that the sixth operating member (N) must be operated to heat the heating object. In addition, the user can see that the auxiliary indicator light (233) in the sixth burner display section (D6) (D6) is lit and can understand that the heating coil (142) assigned to the two unit areas (Vu) arranged on the right front will be operated by the operation of the sixth operating member (N).

[0342] As another example, if a heated object (indicated by a left square) is placed in the two leftmost unit areas (Vu) of the six columns of unit areas (Vu), the first crater display unit (D1) can indicate the target crater location. If a heated object is placed in the entire two columns of unit areas (Vu), that is, in the four unit areas (Vu) in total, in the first crater display unit (D1), the four left auxiliary indicator lights (233) out of the total of twelve auxiliary indicator lights (233) can be turned on.

[0343] The user can clearly see that the auxiliary indicator light (233) is lit in the first burner display unit (D1) and that the first operating member (N) must be operated to heat the heating object. In addition, the user can see that the auxiliary indicator light (233) is lit in the first burner display unit (D1) and that the heating coil (142) assigned to the four unit areas (Vu) arranged on the left will be operated by the operation of the first operating member (N).

[0344] As another example, if the heating target region (Vr) includes only one segmentation region (Vp) within one unit region (Vu) that includes two segmentation regions (Vp), the indicator light (L) may be specifically turned on only in the heating target region (Vr) rather than in the entire unit region (Vu). For example, the indicator light (L) may be turned on only on both sides of one segmentation region (Vp) included in the heating target region (Vr).

[0345] As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 51, a heated body (circled on the right) is placed in the two rightmost rows of unit areas (Vu) among the six rows of unit areas (Vu), but the heated body may be placed so as to occupy only a portion of the area allocated to each burner.

[0346] In this case, in each unit area (Vu), only some of the plurality of heating coils (142) allocated to the unit area (Vu) will participate in heating the object to be heated, and the indicator light (L) may be turned on to reflect this. For example, the indicator light (L) may indicate that only four of the eight heating coils (142) included in four unit areas (Vu) will participate in heating the object to be heated.

[0347] Even in this case, since it is true that the heated object is placed in the four unit areas (Vu) on the right, the four auxiliary indicator lights (233) on the right can be turned on in the sixth crater display section (D6).

[0348] As illustrated in Fig. 52, when a plurality of heating objects are arranged on the cooktop (200) along the lateral direction and a plurality of heating objects are also arranged along the front-back direction, the matching target of the operating member (N) and the burner indicator (D) can be selected by considering the relative lateral position and front-back position between the heating target areas (Vr).

[0349] As an example, the matching targets of the operating member (N) and the fireball indicator (D) may be assigned based on the relative lateral positions between the heating target areas (Vr). For example, the heating target area (Vr) arranged on the far left among the plurality of heating target areas (Vr) may be selected as the matching target of the first operating member (N) and the first fireball indicator (D1), and the heating target area (Vr) arranged on the far right among the plurality of heating target areas (Vr) may be selected as the matching target of the sixth operating member (N) and the sixth fireball indicator (D6).

[0350] In addition, the matching target of the operating member (N) and the fire port indicator (D) may be selected based on the relative forward-backward positions between the heating target areas (Vr). As an example, among the two heating target areas (Ar) (two small circular marks positioned second from the right) positioned laterally at the same position, the one positioned further back may be selected as the matching target of the one positioned further left among the two operating members (N) and the fire port indicator (D).

[0351] For example, among the two heating target areas (Vr), the one positioned further rearward may be selected as the matching target of the fourth operating member (N) and the fourth fireball indicator (D5), and among the two heating target areas (Vr), the one positioned further forward may be selected as the matching target of the fifth operating member (N) and the fifth fireball indicator (D5).

[0352] Referring to FIG. 23 and FIG. 53, when the position of the object to be heated mounted on the cooktop (200) is detected by the sensing coil (143), the position, number, etc. of the heating coil (142) prepared to heat the object to be heated mounted on the cooktop (200) can be clearly displayed by the indicator light (L), and the target of the operating member (N) to be operated to heat the object to be heated can be clearly displayed by the burner display unit (D).

[0353] In the above state, the user can operate the knob (25) by pressing and turning the knob (25). By operating the knob (25), the firepower of the burner can be adjusted. In addition, the user can operate the knob ring (26) by turning the knob ring (26). By operating the knob ring (26), the timer time can be adjusted.

[0354] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

[0355] <Explanation of symbols>

[0356] 10: Oven section

[0357] 11: Door

[0358] 13,23: Main control panel

[0359] 24: Display

[0360] 100: Cooktop

[0361] 105: Control Unit

[0362] 110: Case

[0363] 111: Bottom

[0364] 113: Side wall

[0365] 115: Supporting protrusion

[0366] 120: Top plate

[0367] 130: Cooktop control panel

[0368] 140: Coil assembly

[0369] 141: Patterned coil array

[0370] 142: Heating coil

[0371] 143: Sensing coil

[0372] 144: Temperature sensor

[0373] 150: Supporter

[0374] 151: Upper support surface

[0375] 152: Lower support surface

[0376] 153: Side

[0377] 155: Contract Boss

[0378] 160: Ferrite core

[0379] 161: Ferrite module

[0380] 170: Front

[0381] 171: Main PCB

[0382] 172: Switching Mode Power Supply

[0383] 173: Inverter PCB

[0384] 174: Resonant PCB

[0385] 175: Noise filter

[0386] 176: Fan

[0387] 180: Lighting module

[0388] 190: Absence of diffusion

[0389] 233: Auxiliary indicator light

[0390] B: Substrate

[0391] L: indicator light

[0392] N: Absence of control

Claims

1. A top plate including a plurality of horizontally arranged segmented areas on which a heating element can be installed; A heated object detection unit that detects whether a heated object is installed in each of the above-mentioned divided areas so that each of the above-mentioned divided areas can be divided into either the settled area or the non-settled area; and A display unit that displays information on the shape and position of the heating target area identified as a result of the combination of the above-mentioned settling areas on the top plate; A cooking appliance in which the display unit includes a plurality of indicator lights arranged horizontally, and the indicator lights closest to the horizontal boundary of the heating target area are turned on to display information about the shape and position of the heating target area on the top plate.

2. In paragraph 1, The horizontal boundary surface of the above heating target area is defined by the horizontal boundary surface of the settling area arranged within the above heating target area, Each of the above indicator lights is a cooking appliance arranged on a horizontal boundary surface of the above-mentioned division area.

3. In paragraph 1, The lateral boundary surface of the above heating target area is defined by the lateral boundary surface of the settling area arranged within the above heating target area, Each of the above indicator lights is a cooking appliance arranged on a lateral boundary surface of the above-mentioned separation area.

4. In paragraph 3, A cooking appliance in which the one of the plurality of above indicator lights closest to the lateral boundary surface of the heating target area lights up.

5. In paragraph 3, A cooking appliance in which at least one pair of the above indicator lights are illuminated on both sides of the heating target area.

6. In paragraph 5, A cooking appliance in which, among the plurality of above-mentioned indicator lights, the one closest to one lateral boundary surface of the heating target area and the one closest to the other lateral boundary surface of the heating target area are each lit.

7. In paragraph 1, It further includes a heating detection unit that detects the heating state of the heated body mounted on the top plate, The above display unit is a cooking appliance that changes the lighting status of the indicator light based on the detection result of the heating detection unit.

8. In paragraph 7, The above heating detection unit measures the temperature of the heated body mounted on the top plate, A cooking appliance in which the display unit adjusts the color of the indicator light based on the temperature measurement result of the heating detection unit.

9. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance further comprising a control panel that displays information on the shape and position of the heating target area on a screen.

10. In paragraph 9, The above control panel displays a basic screen expressing the shape of the top plate and an icon expressing the heating target area, A cooking appliance in which the position of the icon on the basic screen is expressed in correspondence to the position of the heating target area on the top plate.

11. In paragraph 10, A cooking appliance in which the icon indicates at least one of information about the shape of the heating target area and information about the heating status of a heated object placed in the heating target area.

12. In paragraph 10, The above icon is a cooking appliance that displays information on at least one of the cooking mode, heating target temperature, current temperature, and heating time in the heating target area.

13. In paragraph 10, The above icon is a cooking appliance provided in the form of a touch button for selecting an action associated with the above icon.

14. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a plurality of operating elements that are arranged to control the operation of the cooking appliance when activated; A cooking appliance in which the selection of an object to be activated among a plurality of the above-mentioned operating elements is made based on the results of determining the shape and position of the heating target area.

15. In paragraph 14, The above-mentioned operating elements are arranged in a set number, A plurality of the above-mentioned division areas are classified into the above-mentioned number of unit areas, Different operating elements are allocated to each of the above unit areas, A cooking appliance in which any one of a plurality of operating elements assigned to the unit area arranged within the heating target area is activated.

16. In paragraph 14, A cooking appliance further comprising a burner indicator that indicates whether the above operating member is activated.

17. In paragraph 16, The number of the above-mentioned fire indicators corresponding to the number of the above-mentioned operating members is arranged, A different crater display section is allocated to each of the above operating parts, A cooking appliance in which the one assigned to the activated operating element among the plurality of above-mentioned burner indicators lights up.

18. In paragraph 17, Each of the above-mentioned crater display sections is provided with a plurality of auxiliary indicator lights that indicate the positions of the entire plurality of the above-mentioned division areas included in the above-mentioned top plate, A cooking appliance in which an auxiliary indicator light is turned on to indicate the position of an item placed within the heating target area among the plurality of above-mentioned division areas.

19. In paragraph 17, A plurality of crater indicators are arranged along a direction parallel to a plurality of array directions, Each of the above burner indicators is positioned on the rear side of the operating member and is positioned on the upper surface of the cooking appliance formed by the top plate.

20. In paragraph 17, the operating member, A knob rotatably installed on the above cooking appliance; and A knob ring is installed on the cooking appliance so as to surround the periphery of the knob and rotate independently of the knob; The above knob controls the heating temperature of the cooking appliance, The above knob ring is a cooking appliance that controls the heating time of the cooking appliance.

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