JP5388203B2 - Gas stove - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas stove that heats a cooking container such as a pan, and more particularly to a gas stove that automatically adjusts the heating power of the burner by detecting the flame of the burner protruding from the periphery of the cooking container with an ultraviolet sensor. It is.

Gas stoves that detect the temperature with an infrared sensor and automatically adjust the burner's heating power have already been proposed. This gas stove will be described with reference to FIG. 9, taking an example described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-38398 (“Gas Stove with Thermal Power Control Function”, Patent Document 1) as an example. FIG. 9 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a conventional gas stove, showing a perspective view, a side view, and a control system block diagram.
The conventional gas stove 50 includes a burner 51 that can automatically adjust the heating power. A temperature sensor (flame detection means) 52 that measures the temperature of an object in a non-contact manner corresponds to the burner 51. Is provided. The temperature sensor 52 includes a thermal infrared detector, and when the radiation energy of thermal radiation or light radiation is irradiated from an object, the temperature rise generated thereby is converted into an electric signal to detect the temperature. Reference numeral 55 represents the five virtues of the burner 51.
As shown in FIG. 9C, the gas supply pipe 61 to the burner 51 is opened and closed by an electromagnetic valve 62 that is kept open by the electromotive force of the thermocouple 66 and a point-extinguishing operation unit 53. A main valve 63 and a flow rate adjusting valve 64 operated by a manual thermal power regulator 54 are provided, and further branched into two thin pipes, one of which is electrically controlled to control the opening of the gas flow rate. A heating power adjustment valve 65 is provided.

When the burner 51 is ignited by the point fire extinguishing operation unit 53, the temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the outer peripheral surface portion 5 mm above the bottom surface of the cooking container P and transmits it to the control circuit 68.
Here, when the heating power of the burner 51 is large with respect to the size of the diameter of the cooking container P, and the flame protrudes above the five virtue mounting surface F along the outer peripheral surface of the cooking container P (see FIG. 9B). Reference), the temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the flame.
When the control circuit 68 receives a detected temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value from the temperature sensor 52, the control circuit 68 controls the heating power adjustment valve 65 to close the unit opening. If the detected temperature does not fall below the predetermined value by this operation, the heating power adjustment valve 65 is further closed by the unit opening. This operation is repeated until the detected temperature falls below a predetermined value.

By the way, the higher the temperature of the object, the stronger the infrared ray is emitted, and the infrared sensor measures the temperature using this infrared ray, so it is difficult to measure the temperature of the atmosphere and the flame. Also, infrared rays are radiated from an object such as a heated pan near the flame, and this is detected, so it is extremely difficult to identify only the presence or absence of a flame.
In the above-described conventional gas stove in which infrared temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 52 and the heating power control valve 65 is controlled, not only the light radiation and heat radiation from the flame of the burner 51 but also the heated cooking container P is used. Radiant energy due to the heat radiation is also detected at the same time, so that the flame of the burner 51 does not protrude from the cooking container P, but it is erroneously detected as protruding, and the flame is made smaller than necessary. was there.

Japanese Patent No. 2515850 (“Automatic Ventilation Device”, Patent Document 2) describes an automatic ventilation device that detects ultraviolet rays emitted from the flame of a gas stove by an ultraviolet sensor and determines the use state of the gas stove. ing. This automatic ventilator is installed on the top of the gas stove and detects the intensity of ultraviolet rays by counting the pulses output from the ultraviolet sensor (ultraviolet detector tube with a built-in pulse generator), thereby operating the ventilation fan. It is something to control.
Therefore, the ultraviolet sensor used in the above automatic ventilation device detects the ultraviolet ray emitted from the flame and determines the usage state of the gas stove, and the flame sensor from around the pan placed on the gas stove. It does not detect protrusions.

JP 2006-38398 A Japanese Patent No. 2515850 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-273939)

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art by using an ultraviolet sensor in a gas stove, so that the cooking container is not affected by heat radiation from the cooking container heated to a high temperature. By detecting only the flame that protrudes, the heat power can be adjusted automatically according to the size of the cooking container.

Means taken to solve the above problem will be described together with its action.
(1) A gas stove according to the present invention (corresponding to claim 1) comprises a burner for burning a fuel gas to heat a cooking vessel, a flame detecting means for detecting a flame protruding from the periphery of the cooking vessel, and the burner A heating power adjusting means for adjusting the heating power by changing the gas supply amount to the gas, and a control device for controlling the heating power adjusting means, and when the flame detecting means detects a flame protruding from the periphery of the cooking container, the heating power Assuming a gas stove that automatically reduces thermal power by adjusting means,
The flame detection means is provided corresponding to the burner, detects an ultraviolet ray emitted from the flame, a pulse generation means for generating a pulse according to the intensity of the ultraviolet ray detected by the ultraviolet sensor, and the pulse It comprises pulse measuring means for counting pulses output within a predetermined time from the generating means , detects only the flame protruding from the periphery of the cooking vessel, and determines the size of the flame as the pulse count value of the pulse measuring means When this pulse count value exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that a flame has protruded from the periphery of the cooking container, and the burner's heating power is automatically reduced.

  By configuring as described above, the pulse output from the pulse generator is counted within a predetermined time according to the intensity of the ultraviolet light detected by the ultraviolet sensor, and the pulse count value exceeds the threshold value. It is possible to detect only the flame that protrudes from the surroundings of the cooking container without being affected by the heat radiation from the heated cooking container. Yes, it is possible to accurately determine the flame out of the cooking container. In addition, by controlling the thermal power adjustment means based on this accurate judgment, the thermal power of the burner is automatically reduced, so that it is possible to properly prevent the flame from protruding from the surroundings of the cooking container, and to save energy. Become.

(2) Further, the gas stove of (1) is provided with cooking vessel diameter identifying means for identifying the size of the cooking vessel from the gas supply amount to the burner and the pulse count value of the pulse measuring means, and the size of the cooking vessel. Can be automatically adjusted to the corresponding firepower. (Corresponding to claim 2)
By comprising in this way, since the magnitude | size of the cooking container currently used can be identified based on the gas supply amount to a burner, and the pulse count value of a pulse measurement means, it becomes the size of this cooking container. It is possible to quickly reduce the corresponding gas supply amount.

(3) Further, in the gas stove of the above (1) or (2), by providing the ultraviolet sensor of the flame detecting means above the burner, it is possible to detect the protrusion of the flame from above the cooking container. (Corresponding to claim 3)
By configuring in this way, it is possible to detect the protrusion of the flame over almost the entire circumference of the cooking container from above the cooking container. Even if there is a protrusion, it can be detected reliably.

(4) Further, in the gas stove described in (1) or (2) above, by providing the ultraviolet sensor of the flame detecting means at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the cooking container, the protrusion of the flame is detected from the radial direction of the cooking container. be able to. (Corresponding to claim 4)
By configuring in this way, the ultraviolet sensor is provided opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the cooking container, and by measuring a limited range of the outer peripheral surface of the cooking container, the flame of the burner body is not measured. Can be detected. Since the flame that protrudes from the periphery of the cooking container extends upward along the outer peripheral surface thereof, by measuring a limited range slightly above the mounting surface of Gotoku (for example, 5 mm above), Detection is possible. Further, by providing an ultraviolet sensor at a specific location around the pan, it is possible to detect the protrusion of the flame at the specific location.
In this case, by using a lens in the ultraviolet sensor, a limited range of the outer peripheral surface of the cooking container (for example, a circular measurement site having a diameter of about 15 to 20 mm) is a short distance (for example, a distance of about 50 to 220 mm). ) To measure.

(5) Moreover, in the gas stove according to any one of (1) to (4), the flame detection means includes a plurality of ultraviolet sensors that detect ultraviolet rays emitted from the flame, and the intensity of ultraviolet rays detected by each ultraviolet sensor. a plurality of pulse generating means for generating a pulse in response comprises a plurality of pulses measurement means for counting the pulses from the pulse generating means is outputted within a predetermined time, only the flames protruding from the periphery of the cooking vessel Detecting and detecting the size of the flame as a pulse count value of the plurality of pulse measuring means, and when at least one of the pulse count values corresponding to the plurality of ultraviolet sensors in each of the pulse measuring means exceeds a threshold value, cooking It can be determined that the flame has protruded from the periphery of the container. (Corresponding to claim 5)
By configuring in this way, it is determined whether or not flames have protruded at a plurality of locations on the cooking container in correspondence with a plurality of ultraviolet sensors. Even in the case of failure, it can be quickly determined without error.

(6) The gas stove of (5) above further includes a deviation calculation means for determining whether the cooking container is offset based on pulse count values corresponding to a plurality of ultraviolet sensors in each pulse measuring means. Can do. (Corresponding to claim 6)
By comprising in this way, it is discriminate | determining whether the cooking container is offset and placed with respect to the burner by comparing and calculating the pulse count value corresponding to the plurality of ultraviolet sensors by the offset calculation means. Can do.

The specific effects produced by the present invention are as follows.
According to the present invention, only the flame that protrudes from the surroundings of the cooking container can be detected by counting the pulses output from the pulse generating means in accordance with the intensity of the ultraviolet rays detected by the ultraviolet sensor, so that it is heated. Without being affected by the heat radiation from the cooking container, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the flame has protruded from the cooking container. Further, since the heating power of the burner is automatically reduced by controlling the heating power adjusting means based on this accurate determination, it is possible to accurately prevent the flame from protruding from the cooking container.
As a result, it is possible to increase the heating efficiency without wastefully using fuel gas, and it is possible to prevent damage to the handle of the cooking container, burns of the user, and ignition of the sleeve of clothes due to the flame. .

  Furthermore, since the flame detection means is equipped with a plurality of ultraviolet sensors to determine whether or not flames have protruded at a plurality of locations on the cooking container, when there is a partial protrusion of the cooking container due to a deviation of the cooking container or the like In addition, not only can it be determined properly, but also by comparing the pulse count values corresponding to the plurality of UV sensors, it is possible to identify whether the cooking container is placed offset from the burner. You can also.

FIG. 1-1 is a schematic side view of a gas stove according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention. Each of the embodiments in which the sensor units incorporating the ultraviolet sensors are attached to different locations are schematically shown in one drawing. It is shown in. FIG. 1-2 is a schematic side view of the gas stove according to the fourth embodiment, in which the sensor unit is mounted on the front top plate. FIG. 1-3 is a schematic side view of the gas stove according to the fifth embodiment, in which a sensor unit incorporating an ultraviolet sensor is attached to the front top plate, and only a part of the sensor unit projects on the top plate. (a) is a whole side view, (b) is a principal part expanded sectional view. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the gas stove according to the first to sixth embodiments, where (a) is a plan view in which the sensor unit is omitted, and (b) is an enlarged view of the operation panel. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gas stove control system according to the first to sixth embodiments. FIG. 4-1 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gas stove according to the first to sixth embodiments. FIG. 4-2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gas stove according to the first to sixth embodiments, and is obtained by changing a part of the operation shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the gas stove according to the second embodiment, in which an ultraviolet sensor is attached to the rear upper part. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view for explaining measurement points when measurement is performed using a plurality of ultraviolet sensors in the gas stove according to the sixth embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B show the arrangement of the ultraviolet sensor with respect to the gas stove when a confirmation test is performed on the detection of flame protrusion by the ultraviolet sensor, where FIG. 7A is a front view and FIG. 7B is a side view. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the results of a confirmation test performed by changing the gas supply amount for pans having different sizes. FIG. 9 is a schematic explanatory view of a conventional gas stove, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view on which a cooking container is placed, and (c) is a block diagram of a control system.

  The present invention realizes the purpose of detecting only the flame that protrudes from the periphery of the cooking vessel in a gas stove without being affected by heat radiation from the cooking vessel heated to a high temperature by using an ultraviolet sensor. is there.

[About detection of flame protrusion by UV sensor]
First, it will be described that a flame (flame size) protruding from a cooking container such as a pan placed on the gas stove of a gas stove can be detected by an ultraviolet sensor.
The present inventor conducted the following test in order to confirm that the flame protruding from the periphery of the cooking container can be detected by the ultraviolet sensor. This confirmation test will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 shows the arrangement of the UV sensor with respect to the gas stove when the confirmation test is performed, and FIG. 8 shows the result of the confirmation test performed by changing the gas supply amount for the pots having different sizes. Yes.

(Confirmation test)
A gas stove 1 equipped with a strong heat burner 3 and six pans P1 to P6 having different sizes (diameters) are prepared. The six pans increase in diameter from 14 cm to 2 cm, with the largest being 24 cm.
Detecting a flame protruding from the periphery of the cooking container using an ultraviolet sensor means that the output current generated from the ultraviolet sensor increases according to the intensity of the ultraviolet light incident on the ultraviolet sensor. The number of pulses per unit time can be converted by the above (number of sampling times 500 times / second). As shown in FIG. 7, the ultraviolet sensor 20 is disposed above a substantially central portion of the top plate (top plate) 5 of the gas stove and at a position where the ultraviolet rays of the flame protruding from the periphery of the pan can be detected. A two-dot chain line extending obliquely downward from the ultraviolet sensor 20 indicates a flame detection range.

First, the gas supply amount (kcal / h) to the burner 3 is changed with no pan placed on the five virtues of the strong burner 3 of the gas stove 1 (no pan), and an ultraviolet ray sensor for each gas supply amount. The number of pulses generated from the pulse generating means was counted for 3 seconds in accordance with the current value output from 20, and this was repeated three times to calculate the average value, thereby obtaining the “number of pulses for 3 seconds”.
Next, six pans P1 to P6 (14 to 24 cm in diameter) having different diameters are placed in the middle of the five virtues of the above-mentioned high heat burner 3, and the gas supply amount to the burner 3 is similarly changed for each pan. (400 to 3600 kcal / h), the “number of pulses for 3 seconds” was detected for each gas supply amount in the same manner as in the case of no pan.

  The result of the confirmation test performed in this way is shown in FIG. According to the result of this confirmation test, the number of pulses for 3 seconds increases with increasing gas supply amount regardless of the size of the pan, and the rate of increase increases with decreasing diameter of the pan. Yes. And as the number of pulses for 3 seconds exceeds 100, the flame that protrudes from the surroundings of the pot increases, and when the number of pulses for 3 seconds is 100 or less, the surroundings of the pot are independent of the size of the pot. It was confirmed by visual observation that there was almost no flame that protruded.

Considering the results of the above confirmation test, when the number of pulses for 3 seconds generated by the ultraviolet sensor 20 detecting ultraviolet rays is 100 or less, there is almost no flame protruding from the surroundings of the pans P1 to P6. In addition, it has been confirmed that when the number of pulses exceeds 100, the flame protrudes from the periphery of the pan.
Therefore, when a predetermined number of pulses within a predetermined time (for example, 100) is used as a threshold and a number of pulses greater than that is detected, the flame has protruded from the surroundings of the pan. It was confirmed that there was no flame protruding.

Further, paying attention to the gas supply amount with the results of confirmation tests shown in FIG. 8, the number of pulses for 3 seconds at the same gas supply amount, as the size of the pot (diameter) is small increases, also pot size The larger the size is, the smaller it is, and it increases or decreases according to the size of the pan. Then, when the flame protrudes from the periphery of the pan (the number of pulses exceeds 100), the size of the pan used is identified (estimated) from the relationship between the gas supply amount and the number of pulses for 3 seconds. Is possible. For example, if the gas supply rate is 2100 kcal / h and the number of pulses is around 170, the diameter of the pan used is 16 cm, and if the gas supply rate is 3100 kcal / h and the number of pulses is around 200, It can be seen that the diameter of the pan used is 18 cm.
Therefore, since the size of the pan in use can be identified based on the relationship between the gas supply amount and the number of pulses, it is possible to adjust the gas supply amount to match the size of the pan. .

Below, the gas stove by Example 1- Example 6 of this invention is demonstrated.
In Example 1, an ultraviolet sensor is attached to a range hood, and in Example 2, an ultraviolet sensor is attached to an antenna-like rod fixed to the rear portion of the gas stove body. Moreover, Example 3-Example 5 attaches an ultraviolet sensor in the position (for example, back or front of a cooking container) which opposes the outer peripheral surface of a cooking container. In Example 6, a plurality of ultraviolet sensors are used for one burner.

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-1 and FIGS. FIG. 1-1 is a schematic side view schematically showing a gas stove in which sensor units each including a built-in ultraviolet sensor are attached to different locations, and FIG. 2 is a gas stove in which the sensor unit is not shown. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the operation panel. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gas stove control system, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the gas stove.
[Configuration of gas stove]
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-1 and 2, a sensor incorporating an ultraviolet sensor 20 with respect to a range hood R provided above a gas stove 10 incorporated in a counter C of a system kitchen. The unit 20a is attached. The gas stove 10 is provided with two burners (combustor burners) 11 and 12 for heating a cooking container P such as a pan, and a grille, and has various operation buttons such as the burners 11 and 12 on the front upper surface thereof. An operation panel 17 and a display unit 18 are provided on the front side of the top panel. Reference numeral 13 is a top plate (top plate), and reference numerals 15 and 16 are virtues on which the cooking container P is placed.

The operation panel 17 is provided with a power button 22 at the center, and operation sections 17a and 17b of the burners 11 and 12 are arranged on the left and right sides. These operation units 17a and 17b are provided with various operation buttons such as an ignition / fire extinguishing button 23a and 23b and a thermal power adjustment button 24a and 24b, and thermal power display lamps 25a and 25b, respectively.
In addition, the display unit 18 is provided with display windows 18a and 18b for the burners 11 and 12 on the left and right sides, and displays the operating state and setting state of the gas stove 10, and a high temperature caution lamp is also lit at the center. A display window 18c is provided.

The sensor units 20a attached to the range hood R corresponding to the burners 11 and 12 of the gas stove 10 detect flames that protrude from the surroundings of the cooking containers P mounted on the respective virtues 15 and 16. It is provided so that the signal can be transmitted to and received from the control device of the gas stove 10. A two-dot chain line extending obliquely downward from the sensor unit 20a indicates a flame detection range.
Moreover, since the sensor unit 20a is provided in the range hood R, the usability of the gas stove is not impaired and the design is excellent. On the other hand, the separation distance and the front and rear position of the gas stove 10 and the ultraviolet sensor 20 vary depending on the installation status such as the height of the range hood R and the mounting position with respect to the gas stove 10, and accordingly, the output current generated from the ultraviolet sensor 20 also varies. fluctuate. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the flame detection means for detecting the protrusion of the flame according to the installation condition of the range hood R.

Next, the supply of fuel gas to the burners 11 and 12 of the gas stove 10 and its control system will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the control system of one burner 11 will be described, but the control system of the other burner 12 is the same.
A gas supply pipe 30 connected to the gas supply source is provided with a main valve 31 composed of an electromagnetic on-off valve. From this gas supply pipe 30, branch pipes 32 a and 32 b are branched in order to supply fuel gas to the burners 11 and 12. These branch pipes 32a and 32b are provided with a safety valve 33 composed of an electromagnetic on-off valve and a thermal power control valve 35 that is driven by a stepping motor 34 and controls the gas supply amount, as will be described by taking the branch pipe 32a as an example. ing.

The control device 40 that controls the operation of the gas stove 10 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a timer, and the like, and includes a pulse measuring means 44b, a pot diameter identifying means 45, and the like. The control device 40 receives the input signals from the operating means 41, the pulse generating means 44a connected to the ultraviolet sensor 20, the thermocouple 38, etc., and performs arithmetic processing, and the main valve 31, safety valve 33, and thermal power control valve 35. The igniter 36 and the like are controlled, and the display means 42 and the notification means 43 are operated.
The main valve 31 is opened by operating the ignition / extinguishing buttons 23a and 23b of the operation units 17a and 17b. The safety valve 33 is opened by operating the ignition / fire extinguishing button 23a, and is opened by an electromotive force generated in the thermocouple (thermocouple) 38 only when the burner 11 has flame after ignition of the burner 11. The valve is maintained. The thermal power control valve 35 controls the gas supply amount in response to the operation of the thermal power control button 24a of the operation unit 17a, and controls when the burner 11 detects a flame out of the cooking container. The gas supply amount is decreased by a command signal from the device 40.

[Operation of gas stove]
Next, the operation of the gas stove 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the operation of one burner 11 will be described, but the operation of the other burner 12 is the same.
First, when the power button 22 is pressed, the power switch is turned on (step S1), and the power lamp is turned on (step S2). Next, when the ignition / extinguish button 23a is pressed (step S3), the thermal power indicator lamp 25a is turned on, and simultaneously, the main valve 31 and the safety valve 33 are opened, and the stepping motor 34 and the igniter 36 are turned on (step S4). ). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the heating power adjustment valve 35 has been adjusted to the ignition position (ignition position) by the stepping motor 34 (step S5). When the heating power adjustment valve 35 is adjusted to the ignition position, the stepping motor 34 is turned off (step S6). .

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the burner 11 has been ignited by determining whether or not the output of the thermocouple 38 is DC 2.5 mV or more (step S7). If the output of the thermocouple 38 is DC 2.5 mV or more and ignition can be confirmed, the igniter 36 is turned off (step S8). If the output of the thermocouple 38 is less than DC 2.5 mV in step S7, it is determined that ignition could not be performed normally, and the igniter 36 is turned off to stop the operation (steps S9 and S10).

After the burner 11 is normally ignited by the series of operations described above, when the igniter 36 is turned off (step S8), the ultraviolet sensor 20 of the sensor unit 20a is turned on (step S11). Detection starts. When a flame protrudes from the periphery of the pan P placed on the virtues 15 of the burner 11, the current value output from the ultraviolet sensor 20 increases according to the size of the protruding flame, and accordingly, the pulse generating means 44a. The number of pulses generated in increases.
The pulses output from the pulse generating means 44a are counted for 3 seconds by the pulse measuring means 44b, and it is determined whether or not the counted pulse count value is a threshold value (for example, 100) or less. It is determined whether or not it has protruded from the surroundings (step S12). If it is determined that the pulse count value is equal to or less than the threshold value and no flame has protruded, it is determined whether or not the ignition / extinguishing button 23a has been pressed (step S13). When the ignition / extinguishing button 23a is not pressed and the operation is continued, the process returns to step S12 to continuously monitor the presence or absence of flame from the pan P (steps S12 and S13). When the ignition / extinguishing button 23a is pressed in step S13, the safety valve 33 is closed and the burner 11 is extinguished (step S17).

If it is determined in step S12 that the pulse count value is larger than the threshold value and the flame is protruding from the periphery of the pan P, the user is notified of the flame protruding by voice or the like (step S14), and the stepping motor 34 is turned on. Driving is performed to reduce the heating power by reducing the opening degree of the heating power control valve 35 by one step (step S15). Next, it is determined whether or not the pulse count value of the pulse output from the pulse generating means 44a is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 100) (step S16). At this time, if it is determined that the pulse count value is equal to or less than the threshold value and no flame has protruded, the process proceeds to step S13.
In step S16, if the pulse count value is larger than the threshold value, the flame has not been eliminated, so the process returns to step S14, and the user is further notified of the flame and the heating power is further reduced by one level (step S15). . Steps S14 to S16 are repeated until the pulse count value is equal to or less than the threshold value.
In step S12, if the pulse count value is much larger than the threshold (for example, 300 or more), the opening degree of the thermal power control valve 35 is reduced by two or more steps at a time in step S15. It is also possible to weaken the firepower rapidly.

Next, another opening degree control method of the heating power control valve 35 when the pulse count value is larger than the threshold value in step S12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4B is a flowchart for explaining a different part from the operation flow shown in FIG. 4A. The same reference numerals are used for the parts common to FIG.
Since the operation in this case is almost the same as the operation of FIG. 4A, only the operation of the different parts will be described. If it is determined in step S12 that the pulse count value is larger than the threshold value and the flame is protruding from the periphery of the pan P, the user is notified of the flame protruding by voice or the like (step S14), and the gas supply amount The size (diameter) of the pan is identified from the relationship between the pulse count value and the pulse count value (step S25).
In addition, in order to identify the size of the pan from the gas supply amount and the pulse count value, the gas supply amount, the pulse count value, and the size (diameter) of the pan based on the result of the confirmation test shown in FIG. This is possible by creating a table representing the relationship between the control unit 40 and storing the table in the control means 40.

In step S25, since the size of the pot being used can be identified, the heating power control valve 35 is set to a predetermined value by the stepping motor 34 so as to obtain an appropriate gas supply amount corresponding to the size of the pan. The opening is narrowed down (step S26). After adjusting the gas supply amount according to the size of the pan in this way, the process proceeds to step 13.
Note that the appropriate gas supply amount corresponding to the size of the pan is the same as described above, based on the result of the confirmation test shown in FIG. This is possible by creating a table to represent and storing it in the control means 40.

  As described above, the flame detection means that detects the protrusion of flame using an ultraviolet sensor can accurately detect only the flame that protrudes from the surroundings of the pan, and based on this, the fire power of the burner is appropriately adjusted. Since the temperature can be adjusted, the heating efficiency can be increased by preventing the flame from protruding around the pan and preventing the use of useless fuel gas. Further, since the flame does not protrude from the pan, it is possible to prevent the pan handle from being damaged by the flame, the burn of the user, and the ignition of the sleeve of the clothes.

Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1-1 is a schematic side view of a gas stove when sensor units each including a UV sensor are attached to different locations, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the gas stove with the sensor unit attached to the rear upper part.
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-1 and 5, a sensor unit 20b having a built-in ultraviolet sensor 20 is disposed at the upper rear portion of the gas stove 10 incorporated in the counter C of the system kitchen. The rod members 48 and 48 having a length of 40 to 50 cm are fixed in an antenna shape corresponding to the burners 11 and 12 at the rear of the gas stove body, and the sensor units 20b are respectively attached to the upper ends of the rod members 48 and 48. The flame protruding from the periphery of the pan P can be detected. In the case of the present Example 2, since the ultraviolet sensor 20 is arrange | positioned in the rear upper part of each burner 11 and 12 so that FIG. 1-1 and FIG. It is possible to detect a flame that protrudes from the surface.

  In the gas stove 10 according to the second embodiment, except for the mounting position of the sensor unit 20b, the other configurations (configuration of the fuel gas supplied to the operation panel 17, the burners 11 and 12 and the control system thereof) and the operation are as described above. It is the same as the gas stove of Example 1. (See Fig. 2 to Fig. 4-2)

Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1-1 is a schematic side view of a gas stove when sensor units each including a UV sensor are attached to different locations.
In the third embodiment, a sensor unit including the ultraviolet sensor 20 is attached to a position around each burner 11 and 12 and facing the outer peripheral surface of the pan, and the flame that protrudes from the periphery of the pan is measured in the radial direction of the pan. It is to detect from. (See sensor unit 20c in FIG. 1-1)

In this case, the sensor unit is configured to use a lens or the like, so that the flame is detected only at a limited point on the outer peripheral surface of the pan. (Position 5mm above the placement surface) is measured. Specifically, the separation distance (measurement distance) from the ultraviolet sensor 20 to the pan is about 50 to 220 mm, and the measurement site (measurement range) is a circle having a diameter of about 15 to 20 mm.
If the flame that protrudes from the periphery of the pan extends upward from the mounting surface of the virtues on the outer peripheral surface of the pan, the current value output from the ultraviolet sensor 20 increases according to the size of the flame, thereby causing a pulse. Since the number of pulses generated from the generating means 44a increases, it is possible to detect the state of flame out by counting these pulses.

One specific example of the third embodiment is shown in FIG. In this specific example, in the gas stove 10 incorporated in the counter C of the system kitchen, a sensor unit 20c having a built-in ultraviolet sensor 20 is attached to the rear of each burner 11 and 12, respectively.
In this specific example, since the flame is detected from the rear of the pan by installing the sensor unit 20c behind each burner 11, 12, the pan handle is often located in front of the pan or on the side. The flame is less hidden. In addition, when placing the pan on the gas stove 10, the pan is inevitably placed closer to the front due to the positional relationship between the user's eyes and Gotoku 15 and 16, and the flame that protrudes from the surroundings of the pan is on the rear side of the pan. However, even in such a case, it is possible to reliably detect the protrusion of the flame, and the reliability is improved.

  In the gas stove 10 of the third embodiment, except for points related to the sensor unit mounting location and measurement range, other configurations (configuration of the fuel gas supply to the operation panel 17 and burners 11 and 12 and the control system thereof), The operation is the same as that of the gas stove of the first embodiment. (See Fig. 2 to Fig. 4-2)

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1-2 is a schematic side view of a gas stove in which a sensor unit is mounted on a front top plate.
In the specific example of the third embodiment (see the sensor unit 20c in FIG. 1-1), since the flame is detected from the rear side of the pan P, the pan is shifted backward and the flame protrudes to the near side. In this case, since it is impossible to detect the protrusion of the flame, there is a concern that the user may burn or ignite the sleeve of the clothes.
Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1-2, in the gas stove 10 incorporated in the counter C of the system kitchen, the ultraviolet sensor 20 is provided on the front side (the operation panel 17 side) of the burners 11 and 12. Each of the built-in sensor units 20d is attached, and from the front of the pan P (or slightly diagonally forward) to a limited point on the front outer peripheral surface of the pan (for example, a circle having a diameter of about 15 to 20 mm). It detects the protrusion of flame.
The sensor unit 20d of the fourth embodiment is arranged so as to be positioned below the upper surfaces of the five virtues 15 and 16 so as not to disturb the user, and detects the flame obliquely from the front lower side of the pan P. It is provided to do.

In the fourth embodiment, the entire sensor unit 20 d is mounted on the top plate 13 of the gas stove 10, and the sensor unit 20 d includes a shielding cylinder 27 and an ultraviolet sensor 20. The shielding cylinder 27 has a cylindrical shape in which a shielding hole 27a is formed, and it is possible to detect the flame in a limited range (a portion where the flame protrudes on the outer peripheral surface of the pan) by narrowing the range in which the ultraviolet rays are incident. Only the flame which protruded can be detected without detecting the flame (normal size flame) which does not protrude from the circumference of the pan P.
If a flame protrudes from the periphery of the pan P, the current value output from the ultraviolet sensor 20 increases according to the size of the flame, and the number of pulses generated from the pulse generating means 44a increases accordingly. By counting, it is possible to detect the protruding state of the flame.
In the fourth embodiment, the sensor unit 20d is installed on the front side of each burner 11 and 12 in the gas stove 10, and the flame is detected from the front side of the pan P. Even when the sticking out, it is possible to reliably detect the sticking out of the flame and prevent the user from being burned or igniting the sleeve of the clothes.

  In the gas stove 10 according to the fourth embodiment, except for the point where the sensor unit 20d is attached and the detection range thereof, other configurations (configurations such as the supply of fuel gas to the operation panel 17 and the burners 11 and 12 and the control system thereof) ) And operation are the same as those of the gas stove of the first embodiment. (See Fig. 2 to Fig. 4-2)

Next, Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1C is a schematic side view of a gas stove in which the sensor unit is mounted on the front top plate, and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the sensor unit.
In the fourth embodiment, the sensor unit 20d is mounted on the front top plate, and the entire sensor unit 20d protrudes on the top plate 13 and is disposed on the front side of each burner 11, 12. May get in the way.
Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C, a part of the sensor unit 20e protrudes from the top plate 13 and the remaining part is installed on the lower side of the top plate 13. The sensor unit 20 e is composed of a shielding cylinder 28 and an ultraviolet sensor 20, and is attached to a sensor unit mounting plate 21 that shields ultraviolet rays incident from the other, and the upper portion of the shielding cylinder 28 extends from the surface of the top plate 13. It protrudes.

As shown in FIG. 1-3 (b), the shielding cylinder 28 has an opening 28a through which ultraviolet rays are incident on the upper outer peripheral surface thereof, and a space 28c is formed below the opening 28a. A reflection lens 29 is provided in the opening 28a, and a small-diameter shielding hole 28b is formed between the opening 28a and the space 28c.
When the ultraviolet light from the flame protruding from the periphery of the pan P enters the opening 28a, the ultraviolet light is reflected downward by the reflection lens 29 and enters the ultraviolet sensor 20 through the small-diameter shielding hole 28b and the space 28c. . When the ultraviolet rays pass through the shielding hole 28b, the range in which the ultraviolet rays are incident is narrowed down, so that it is possible to detect the flame in a limited range on the front outer peripheral surface of the pan (where the flame on the outer peripheral surface of the pan protrudes).

In the fifth embodiment, since the lower part of the sensor unit 20e provided with the ultraviolet sensor 20 is attached below the top plate 13 of the gas stove 10, the projecting dimension from the top plate 13 is reduced. It does not get in the way of the user and is easy to use.
If there is a flame protruding from the surroundings of the pan P, the current value output from the ultraviolet sensor 20 increases according to the size of the flame, thereby increasing the number of pulses generated from the pulse generating means 44a. By counting this pulse, it is possible to detect the state of the flame protruding.
Also in the fifth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the sensor unit 20e is installed on the front side of each burner 11 and 12 in the gas stove 10 and the flame is detected from the front side of the pan P. Even when the flame is shifted backward and the flame protrudes to the near side, the flame can be reliably detected, and the user can be prevented from being burned or igniting the sleeve of the clothes.

  In the gas stove 10 according to the fifth embodiment, except for points relating to the attachment location of the sensor unit 20e and the detection range thereof, other configurations (configurations such as supply of fuel gas to the operation panel 17 and burners 11 and 12 and control systems thereof) ) And operation are the same as those of the gas stove of the first embodiment. (See Fig. 2 to Fig. 4-2)

Next, Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view for explaining measurement points when measurement is performed using a plurality of ultraviolet sensors in a gas stove.
[Configuration of gas stove]
In the sixth embodiment, the burners 11 and 12 of the gas stove 10 incorporated in the counter C of the system kitchen are respectively measured using a plurality of ultraviolet sensors. For example, the four ultraviolet sensors for the left burner 11, also have been used three ultraviolet sensor for right burner 12, the measurement points _20f 1 _{~20f 4} of each ultraviolet sensor, 20g _{1 to} 20 g ₃ are indicated by a one-dot chain line circle.
The sensor unit incorporating each ultraviolet sensor for measuring the seven measurement points 20f _{1 to} 20f ₄ and 20g _{1 to} 20g ₃ can be attached to a range hood R as shown in FIG. 1-1. In addition, since the range that can be measured can be set to a necessary size by using a lens or the like, even when a small pan P1 having a diameter of 14 cm or a large pan P6 having a diameter of 24 cm is placed, It is possible to detect a flame that protrudes from the surroundings.

As shown in FIG. 6, the left side of the burner 11, the four ultraviolet sensors provided above the gas stove 10 shows the case of measuring the front, rear, left and right four positions 20f ₁ ~20f ₄ pot P in the right side of the burner 12, the same three ultraviolet sensor provided above shows the case of measuring in three 20 g ₁ to 20 g ₃ backward and right and left oblique front pot P. Although not shown in FIG. 6, two ultraviolet sensors provided above the gas stove 10 can be used for two places before and after the pan P (measurement points 20f ₁ and 20f ₂ ) or two places on the left and right (measurement). It is also possible to measure at locations 20f ₃ , 20f ₄ ).

[Operation of gas stove]
By the way, the phenomenon in which the flame protrudes from the periphery of the pan is caused by the fact that the heating power is too strong with respect to the size of the pan, or the pan is placed on one side against the five virtues. When the measurement is performed with one ultraviolet sensor as in the first to fifth embodiments, the cause cannot be identified.
When the pan is placed against the virtues and the flames are protruding from the surroundings of the pan, if the flame is reduced by squeezing the thermal power control valve to reduce the thermal power, the size of the pan On the other hand, the heating power is weakened more than necessary, and the heating time becomes longer.

In Example 6, since the measurement is performed at a plurality of locations around the pan P using a plurality of ultraviolet sensors as described above, the flame count at each measurement location is determined by the pulse count value corresponding to each measurement location. It is possible to detect the protruding state. At the same time, by comparing and calculating the pulse count value at each measurement location, it is possible to discriminate the deviation of the pan P relative to the virtues 15 and 16, and notify the user by voice or buzzer. Can do. In this case, the control device 40 includes a “pan shift calculation means 46” for determining the pan shift (see FIG. 3).
And, as shown in FIG. 6, when measuring at three or more places around the pan P, it is possible to determine the offset of the pan in all directions. In the case of measuring, it is possible to determine the deviation of the pan in the front-rear or left-right direction.
In addition, although the present Example 6 demonstrated the case where the several ultraviolet sensor was provided above each burner 11 and 12 like the said Examples 1 and 2, it is not limited to this, A plurality of ultraviolet sensors can also be implemented in the same manner with respect to those provided at positions facing the outer peripheral surface of the pan as in Examples 3 to 5 above.

  In the gas stove 10 of the sixth embodiment, each of the burners 11 and 12 is provided with a plurality of ultraviolet sensors, and based on the pulse count values corresponding to these ultraviolet sensors, it is determined whether or not the flame has protruded from the pan. However, except for the point of discriminating the offset of the pot with respect to the five virtues, other configurations and operations are the same as those of the gas stove of the first embodiment. (See Fig. 2 to Fig. 4-2)

10 ... Gas cooker 11,12 ... Burner (Cob burner)
13 ... top plate (top plate) 15, 16 ... trivet 17 ... operation panel 17a, 17b ... operating portion 18 ... display unit 18a to 18c ... display window 20 ... ultraviolet sensors 20a to 20e ... sensor unit 20f ₁ ~20f _4, 20g _{1 to} 20 g ₃ ... UV sensor measurement location 21 ... Sensor unit mounting plate 22 ... Power button 23a, 23b ... Ignition / fire extinguishing button 24a, 24b ... Thermal power adjustment button 25a, 25b ... Thermal power indicator lamp 27 ... Shielding cylinder 27a ... Shielding hole 28 ... Shielding cylinder 28a ... Opening 28b ... Shielding hole 28c ... Space 29 ... Reflective lens 30 ... Gas supply pipe 31 ... Main valve 32a, 32b ... Gas branch pipe 33 ... Safety valve 34 ... Stepping motor 35 ... Thermal power control valve 36 ... Igniter 38 ... Thermocouple (Thermocouple)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 ... Control apparatus 41 ... Operation means 42 ... Display means 43 ... Notification means 44a ... Pulse generation means 44b ... Pulse measurement means 45 ... Pan diameter identification means 46 ... Pan offset calculation means 48 ... Rod member C ... Counter R ... Range hood P, P1-P6 ... Cooking containers (pots, kettles, etc.)

Claims (6)

A burner for burning the fuel gas to heat the cooking container; a flame detecting means for detecting a flame protruding from the periphery of the cooking container; and a thermal power adjusting means for adjusting the thermal power by changing the amount of gas supplied to the burner. The gas stove includes a control device for controlling the heating power adjusting means, and when the flame detecting means detects a flame protruding from the periphery of the cooking container, the heating power is automatically reduced by the heating power adjusting means.
The flame detection means is provided corresponding to the burner, detects an ultraviolet ray emitted from the flame, a pulse generation means for generating a pulse according to the intensity of the ultraviolet ray detected by the ultraviolet sensor, and the pulse Comprising pulse measuring means for counting pulses output within a predetermined time from the generating means,
Only the flame that protrudes from the periphery of the cooking container is detected, and the magnitude of the flame is detected as the pulse count value of the pulse measuring means, and when the pulse count value exceeds a threshold value , the flame is detected from the periphery of the cooking container. A gas stove that is judged to have overflowed and automatically reduces the burning power of the burner.   A cooking container diameter identifying means for identifying the size of the cooking container from the gas supply amount to the burner and the pulse count value of the pulse measuring means is provided, and the heating power corresponding to the size of the cooking container is automatically adjusted. The gas stove according to claim 1 characterized by these.   The gas stove according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flame detection means detects the protrusion of the flame from above the cooking container by providing an ultraviolet sensor above the burner.   3. The gas stove according to claim 1, wherein an outflow of flame is detected from a radial direction of the cooking container by providing an ultraviolet sensor of the flame detecting means at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the cooking container. . The flame detecting means includes a plurality of ultraviolet sensors for detecting ultraviolet rays emitted from the flame, a plurality of pulse generating means for generating pulses according to the intensity of the ultraviolet rays detected by the respective ultraviolet sensors, and a predetermined number of pulses from each pulse generating means. Comprising a plurality of pulse measuring means for counting pulses output in time,
Only the flame that protrudes from the periphery of the cooking container is detected and the magnitude of the flame is detected as the pulse count value of the plurality of pulse measuring means, and the pulse count value corresponding to the plurality of ultraviolet sensors in each of the pulse measuring means The gas stove according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when at least one of the above exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that a flame has protruded from around the cooking vessel.   6. The gas stove according to claim 5, further comprising a deviation calculating means for determining whether or not the cooking container is offset based on pulse count values corresponding to a plurality of ultraviolet sensors in each of the pulse measuring means.

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