JP2008014516A - Steam generator and heating cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steam generator surely controlling steam generation even when the temperature of a water storing portion cannot be accurately detected because of the generation of scale in a steam container, and also to provide a heating cooker using the generator. <P>SOLUTION: This steam generator comprises: the steam container 41; water supply portions 30, 32, 33, 34 for intermittently supplying water into the steam container 41; first and second steam generating heaters 42A, 42B for heating a base portion A of the steam container 41 and evaporating the water supplied to the water storing portion S; and a temperature sensor 43 for detecting a temperature of the base portion A of the steam container 41. In steam generating motion for intermittently supplying the water to the water storing portion S of the steam container 41 while heating the base portion A of the steam container 41 by the first and second steam generating heaters 42A, 42B, and for repeating the temperature up and down of the base portion A detected by the temperature sensor 43, a control device 80 supplies the water to the water storing portion S by operating a pump 33 when the temperature of the base portion A is increased to be higher than a prescribed temperature rise determination value from a minimum value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam generator and a heating cooker.

  Conventionally, as a cooking device for cooking using heating steam, a water supply tray is arranged at the bottom of the heating chamber, and a heating unit and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating unit are provided below the water supply tray. There is something. (For example, refer to Japanese Patent No. 3753135 (Patent Document 1)). This heating cooker heats the water supply tray by the heating means, and evaporates the water supplied to the water supply tray. Then, when the water in the water supply pan becomes low and the temperature of the heating means detected by the temperature sensor exceeds the upper limit reference value, the heating means is turned off, thereby gradually lowering the temperature of the heating means. When the reference value is reached, the heating means is turned on again, the water supplied to the water tray is evaporated, and the heating means is repeatedly turned on and off.

However, in the heating cooker, since the scale adheres to the water tray and the amount of scale increases as the number of times of cooking increases, the temperature between the heating means detected by the temperature sensor and the water tray is increased. There is a problem that an error occurs and steam generation control cannot be performed accurately.
Japanese Patent No. 3753135

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator capable of reliably performing steam generation control and a heating cooker using the same even when a scale occurs in the evaporation container and the temperature of the water reservoir cannot be accurately detected. It is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, the steam generator of the present invention is:
An evaporation vessel;
A water supply unit for supplying water to the water reservoir in the evaporation container;
A heater unit for heating the water reservoir of the evaporation container and evaporating water supplied from the water supply unit to the water reservoir;
A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water reservoir of the evaporation container;
A controller for controlling the water supply unit and the heater unit based on the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor;
The control device
While the water reservoir of the evaporation container is heated by the heater unit, water is intermittently supplied from the water supply unit to the water reservoir of the evaporation container, so that the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor is In the steam generation operation in which the temperature is repeatedly lowered and raised, the water supply portion is caused to supply water to the water reservoir portion when the temperature of the water reservoir portion rises from a minimum value to a predetermined temperature rise determination value or more. And

  According to the steam generator having the above configuration, in the steam generation operation, the controller intermittently supplies water from the water supply unit to the water reservoir of the evaporation container while heating the water reservoir of the evaporation container by the heater unit. As a result, the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor repeatedly decreases and increases. At this time, when the temperature of the water reservoir rises from a minimum value to a predetermined temperature rise determination value or more by the above control device, the water supply unit is caused to supply water to the water reservoir, assuming that there is no water in the water reservoir of the evaporation container. Therefore, even if a scale is generated in the evaporation container and the temperature of the water reservoir cannot be accurately detected, the steam generation control can be reliably performed.

In one embodiment of the steam generator,
The control device
In the steam generation operation, a temperature decrease determination unit that determines whether or not the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor has decreased after water is supplied from the water supply unit to the water reservoir,
When the temperature of the water reservoir is detected by the temperature sensor after the temperature decrease determining unit determines that the temperature of the water reservoir is decreased, the temperature in the period when the temperature of the water reservoir is increased after the temperature is decreased. A minimum value detection unit for detecting a minimum value;
After the minimum value is detected by the minimum value detection unit, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor is higher than the temperature increase determination value than the detected minimum value. A temperature rise determination unit,
When the temperature increase determination unit determines that the temperature of the water reservoir is higher than the temperature increase determination value by more than the minimum value, the water supply unit supplies water to the water reservoir.

  According to the embodiment, in the steam generation operation, the temperature decrease determination unit of the control device decreases the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor after water is supplied from the water supply unit to the water reservoir. Determine whether or not. Then, after determining that the temperature of the water reservoir has decreased by the temperature decrease determination unit, the minimum value detection unit of the control device detects the temperature of the water reservoir when the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor increases. The minimum value is detected in the period when the value rises after the value falls. Then, after the minimum value detection unit detects the minimum value, if the temperature rise determination unit of the control device determines that the temperature of the water reservoir is higher than the temperature rise determination value by more than the minimum value, the control device The water is supplied to the water reservoir by controlling the part. Thus, even if a scale occurs in the evaporation container and the temperature of the water reservoir cannot be accurately detected, accurate steam generation control can be easily performed.

In one embodiment of the steam generator,
The control device
When the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined initial water supply temperature by heating the water reservoir of the evaporation container with the heater at the start of the steam generation operation, the water supply To supply water to the water reservoir.

  According to the above embodiment, at the start of the steam generation operation, the minimum value cannot be obtained because the temperature of the water reservoir of the evaporation container is low. Therefore, the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor is equal to the predetermined initial water supply. When the temperature is higher than the temperature, the steam generation operation using the minimum value can be smoothly started by supplying water from the water supply unit to the water reservoir.

In one embodiment of the steam generator,
The water supply unit has a water tank, and a pump for sending water in the water tank to the water reservoir of the evaporation container,
The control device controls the operation time or the water supply capacity of the pump every time the water is supplied to the water reservoir so that the interval at which water is supplied from the water supply to the water reservoir is within a predetermined range.

  According to the embodiment, the operation time (or water supply capacity) of the pump every time the water is supplied to the water reservoir so that the time interval for supplying water from the water supplier to the water reservoir is within a predetermined range by the controller. ) Is corrected, the variation in the amount of water supply due to a scale or the like attached to the water supply path is corrected, so that a substantially constant amount of water is supplied to the water reservoir each time.

In one embodiment of the steam generator,
The water supply unit has a water tank, and a pump for sending water in the water tank to the water reservoir of the evaporation container,
When the time interval for supplying water to the water reservoir by the water supply unit becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit time, the control device increases the operation time or the water supply capacity of the pump every time the water supply unit is supplied to the water reservoir. When the time interval at which the water is supplied to the water reservoir by the unit becomes equal to or longer than the upper limit time, the operation time or water supply capacity of the pump is reduced every time the water is supplied to the water reservoir.

  According to the embodiment, when the time interval for supplying water to the water reservoir by the water supply unit is equal to or lower than the lower limit time by the control device, the operation time or water supply capacity of the pump every time the water is supplied to the water reservoir. On the other hand, when the time interval for supplying water to the water reservoir by the water supply unit becomes equal to or longer than the upper limit time, the operation time or the water supply capacity of the pump every time the water is supplied to the water reservoir is reduced. Thereby, it is possible to correct a variation in the amount of water supply due to a scale or the like attached to the water supply path so that a substantially constant amount of water is supplied to the water reservoir each time.

  Moreover, the cooking device of the present invention includes any one of the above steam generators.

  According to the heating cooker having the above configuration, even when a scale is generated in the evaporation container and the temperature of the water reservoir cannot be accurately detected, by using the steam generator that can reliably perform steam generation control, performance can be improved. A good cooking device can be realized.

  Moreover, in the heating cooker of one Embodiment, in the cooking using the steam from the said steam generator, the said control apparatus is the said evaporation from the said water supply part from the predetermined time before completion | finish of cooking to completion | finish of cooking. Without supplying water to the water reservoir of the container, the heater unit is connected to the evaporation container so that the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the temperature at which the water of the water reservoir evaporates. The water reservoir is heated.

  According to the above embodiment, the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor without supplying water from the water supply unit to the water reservoir of the evaporation container by the control device from the predetermined time before the end of cooking until the end of cooking. Heat the water reservoir of the evaporation container to the heater so that the temperature of the water is equal to or higher than the temperature at which the water in the water reservoir evaporates (more preferably, the temperature at which the water in the water reservoir evaporates and disappears by the end of cooking). By doing so, water does not remain in the water reservoir of the evaporation container at the end of cooking, and there is no need to drain. Accordingly, it is not necessary to use a drain valve or a drain pipe, and the hygienic condition is not deteriorated such that mold is generated in the water remaining in the water reservoir of the evaporation container or bacteria are propagated. Therefore, a low-cost and sanitary heating cooker can be realized.

  As apparent from the above, according to the steam generator of the present invention, the steam generator can reliably perform the steam generation control even when the scale is generated in the evaporation container and the temperature of the water reservoir cannot be accurately detected. Can be realized.

  Moreover, according to the heating cooker of this invention, a heating cooker with good performance can be realized by using the steam generator.

  Hereinafter, a steam generator and a heating cooker according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.

  FIG. 1: has shown the external appearance perspective view of the heating cooker using the steam generator of one Embodiment of this invention. The heating cooker 1 is provided with a door 12 that rotates on the front side of a rectangular parallelepiped main body casing 10 about a lower end side. An operation panel 11 is provided on the right side of the door 12, a handle 13 is provided on the top of the door 12, and a heat-resistant glass window 14 is provided at the approximate center of the door 12.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a state where the door 12 of the heating cooker 1 is opened, and a rectangular parallelepiped cooking chamber 20 is provided in the main body casing 10. The cooking chamber 20 has an opening 20a on the front side facing the door 12, and the side, bottom and top surfaces of the cooking chamber 20 are formed of stainless steel plates. Further, the door 12 is formed of a stainless steel plate on the side facing the cooking chamber 20. A heat insulating material (not shown) is arranged around the cooking chamber 20 and inside the door 12 to insulate the cooking chamber 20 from the outside.

  In addition, a stainless steel tray 21 is placed on the bottom surface of the cooking chamber 20, and a stainless steel wire rack 22 is placed on the tray 21 for placing an object to be heated. In addition, in the state which opened the door 12, the upper surface side of the door 12 becomes substantially horizontal, and when it takes out to-be-heated material, it can once put on the upper surface of the door 12.

  Further, a water tank storage portion 37 for storing the water tank 30 is provided on the right side of the cooking chamber 20 of the main body casing 10. The water tank 30 is inserted into the water tank storage portion 37 from the front side toward the rear side.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a basic configuration of the heating cooker 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the cooking device 1 includes a cooking chamber 20, a water tank 30 that stores water for steam, and a steam generator 40 that generates steam by evaporating water supplied from the water tank 30. A steam temperature raising device 50 that heats the steam from the steam generating device 40, and a control device 80 that controls the operation of the steam generating device 40, the steam temperature raising device 50, and the like. A grid-like rack 22 is placed on a tray 21 installed in the cooking chamber 20, and an object to be heated 90 is placed at the approximate center of the rack 22. And the to-be-heated material 90 is accommodated in the cooking chamber 20 in the state which left the space | interval from the bottom face of the cooking chamber 20. FIG.

  Further, the connecting portion 30 a provided on the lower side of the water tank 30 can be connected to a funnel-shaped receiving port 31 a provided at one end of the water level detecting portion 31. One end of the first water supply pipe 32 is connected to the water level detection unit 31, and the suction side of the pump 33 is connected to the other end of the first water supply pipe 32. One end of the second water supply pipe 34 is connected to the discharge side of the pump 33, and the other end of the second water supply pipe 34 is connected to the steam generator 40. Further, the water level detection unit 31 is provided with a water tank water level sensor 36. The other end of the second water supply pipe 34 is connected to the steam generator 40.

  The water tank water level sensor 36 includes two first and second electrodes having the same length, a third electrode shorter than the first and second electrodes, and a fourth electrode shorter than the third electrode. Consists of. Using the first electrode of the water level sensor 36 for the water tank as a common electrode, three water levels can be detected by the second to fourth electrodes having different lengths. The water tank 30, the first water supply pipe 32, the pump 33, and the second water supply pipe 34 constitute a water supply unit.

  Further, the steam generator 40 is connected to the other end of the second water supply pipe 34, and has a rectangular parallelepiped evaporation container 41 made of stainless steel provided with an opening 41a (see FIG. 7) on one side surface of the longitudinal side. Arranged between the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B as an example of the heater unit disposed on the lower side of the evaporation container 41, and between the lower side of the evaporation container 41 and the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B. The temperature sensor 43 and a lid body 44 that covers one opening of the evaporation container 41 are provided. The temperature sensor 43 is disposed in the vicinity of the water supply port 71a (shown in FIG. 8). The temperature sensor 43 detects the temperature of the base A (shown in FIG. 9) of the evaporation container 41 of the steam generator 40.

  A fan casing 26 is disposed outside the suction port 25 provided in the upper side of the cooking chamber 20. Then, the steam in the cooking chamber 20 is sucked from the suction port 25 by the blower fan 28 installed in the fan casing 26 and is supplied to the steam temperature raising device 50 through the second steam supply pipe 61. The steam generated by the steam generator 40 is sucked by the blower fan 28 via the first steam supply pipe 35, merges with the steam sucked from the cooking chamber 20, and passes through the second steam supply pipe 61. And supplied to the steam temperature raising device 50.

  In FIG. 3, the cooking chamber 20 and the steam generator 40 are shown apart from each other, but as will be described later, the lid 44 side is inside the heating chamber 20 on the rear side wall in the heating chamber 20 and outside the heating chamber 20. It is attached to face.

  The fan casing 26, the second steam supply pipe 61, and the steam temperature raising device 50 form an external circulation path. One end of a discharge passage 64 is connected to the discharge port 27 provided on the lower side of the side surface of the cooking chamber 20, and a first exhaust port 65 is provided at the other end of the discharge passage 64. Further, one end of an exhaust passage 62 is connected to the second steam supply pipe 61 forming the circulation path, and a second exhaust port 63 is provided at the other end of the exhaust passage 62. A damper 68 that opens and closes the exhaust passage 62 is disposed at a connection point between the second steam supply pipe 61 and the exhaust passage 62.

  In addition, the steam temperature raising device 50 includes a dish-shaped case 51 disposed on the ceiling side of the cooking chamber 20 and substantially in the center with the opening facing downward, and the steam heating disposed in the dish-shaped case 51. And a heater 52. The bottom surface of the dish-shaped case 51 is formed by a metal ceiling panel 54 provided on the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 20. A plurality of ceiling steam outlets 55 are formed in the ceiling panel 54.

  Further, the steam temperature raising device 50 is connected to one end of each of the steam supply passages 23 (only one is shown in FIG. 3) extending on both the left and right sides of the cooking chamber 20. The other end of the steam supply passage 23 extends downward along both side surfaces of the cooking chamber 20 and is connected to side surface steam outlets 24 provided on both side surfaces and the lower side of the cooking chamber 20.

  Next, the control block of the heating cooker 1 shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 80 includes an operation panel 11, a blower fan 28, a pump 33, a damper 68, a power supply unit 83, a storage unit 84 that stores various setting information, and a detection unit. 85 and a heating unit 86 including a heater control circuit and the like are connected.

  An LCD (liquid crystal display) 91, a start SW 92, an automatic cooking SW 93, a manual cooking SW 94, and a water tank wearing detection sensor 95 are connected to the operation panel 11.

  The detection unit 85 includes a temperature sensor 43, a water level sensor 36 for the water tank, a temperature sensor 81 for the cooking chamber that detects the temperature in the cooking chamber 20 (shown in FIG. 3), and the humidity in the cooking chamber 20. A cooking chamber humidity sensor 82 is connected. Detection signals from the temperature sensor 43, the water tank water level sensor 36, the cooking chamber temperature sensor 81, and the cooking chamber humidity sensor 82 are input to the control device 80 via the detection unit 85. The detection signal of the water tank mounting detection sensor 95 is input to the control device 80 via the operation panel 11.

  Further, the steam heating heater 52, the first steam generating heater 42A, and the second steam generating heater 42B are connected to the heating unit 86. The control device 80 turns the steam heater 52, the first steam generating heater 42A, and the second steam generating heater 42B on and off via the heating unit 86.

  The control device 80 includes a microcomputer, an input / output circuit, and the like, and includes detection signals from the water level sensor 36 for the water tank, the temperature sensor 43, the cooking chamber temperature sensor 81, and the cooking chamber humidity sensor 82, and the operation panel 11. Based on the signal, the blower fan 28, the steam heater 52, the damper 68, the first steam generating heater 42A, the second steam generating heater 42B, the operation panel 11 and the pump 33 are controlled according to a predetermined program. The control device 80 includes a temperature decrease determination unit 80a, a minimum value detection unit 80b, and a temperature increase determination unit 80c. The temperature decrease determination unit 80a is configured to heat the base A (shown in FIG. 9) of the evaporation container 41 by the first and second steam generation heaters 42A and 42B, thereby evaporating water supplied into the evaporation container 41. In the generating operation, after water is supplied to the evaporation container 41, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the base A detected by the temperature sensor 43 has decreased. Further, the minimum value detection unit 80b determines that the temperature of the base A increases when the temperature of the base A detected by the temperature sensor 43 increases after the temperature decrease determination unit 80a determines that the temperature of the base A of the evaporation container 41 has decreased. The minimum value is detected in the period when the value rises after the value falls. Further, the temperature rise determination unit 80c determines whether or not the temperature of the base A detected by the temperature sensor 43 is higher than a predetermined temperature by the minimum value detected by the minimum value detection unit 80b.

  It should be noted that the minimum value of the temperature of the base A in this embodiment is the lowest temperature value during the period in which the temperature of the base A has risen since it has fallen (since it is difficult to detect a strict minimum temperature value) In addition, the temperature of the base A falls within a period of rise after the temperature of the base A drops and rises again after maintaining a constant temperature. In such a case (the ship-shaped image as shown in FIG. 21A is close), it is assumed that the constant temperature is a minimum value. In addition, as shown in FIG. 21B, in a case where the temperature is once lowered, then slightly increased to maintain a constant temperature, and then increased again, the temperature of the constant temperature is assumed to be a minimum value.

  FIG. 5 shows a front view of the heating cooker 1 with no door. As shown in FIG. 5, the water tank storage portion 37 of the main casing 10 has a water tank from the front side toward the rear side. 30 is inserted. Further, a suction port 25 is provided in the vicinity of the upper right corner portion and a discharge port 27 is provided in the vicinity of the lower left corner portion on the rear wall surface in the cooking chamber 20 of the main body casing 10. And the steam generator 40 is arrange | positioned so that the opening part 41a side covered with the cover body 44 may face the cooking chamber 20 side in the center part of the rear side wall surface in the cooking chamber 20 and the left side slightly outside. ing. In addition, the installation position of the steam generator is not limited to this, and the steam generator is arranged on either one of the left and right side walls in the cooking chamber and outside the cooking chamber so that the opening side faces the cooking chamber. Alternatively, a steam generator may be arranged inside the main casing and outside the cooking chamber so that the opening side faces the outer side of the main casing.

  FIG. 6 shows a back view of the heating cooker 1 without the main casing 10. In FIG. 6, the water level detection unit 31, the first water supply pipe 32, the pump 33, the second water supply pipe 34, the water tank water level sensor 36, the control device 80, and the like are omitted in order to make the drawing easier to see.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a steam generator 40 is disposed on the rear side of the cooking chamber 20 (shown in FIG. 5), and a fan in which a blower fan 28 is housed on the back side of the suction port 25 (shown in FIG. 5). A casing 26 is arranged. The fan casing 26 and the steam generator 40 are connected via a first steam supply pipe 35. Further, one end of the discharge passage 64 is connected to the discharge port 27 shown in FIG. 5, and the other end of the discharge passage 64 is connected to the upper first exhaust port 65 (shown in FIG. 3).

  In addition, steam supply passages 23 and 23 from the steam temperature raising device 50 disposed on the upper side of the cooking chamber 20 are provided on both the left and right sides of the cooking chamber 20.

  7 shows a top view of the steam generator 40 of the heating cooker 1, FIG. 8 shows a front view of the steam generator 40, and FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the steam generator 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the steam generator 40 includes a rectangular parallelepiped evaporation container 41 having an opening 41 a on one side surface (front side) on the long side. The evaporation container 41 has a substantially rectangular base A serving as a bottom, a wall B standing from the long side on the back side of the base A, and a wall standing from the short sides on the left and right sides of the base A. C, D, and an upper plate portion E provided so as to face the upper end side of the wall portions B, C, D and the base portion A. In addition, a connection portion 71 to which the second water supply pipe 34 (shown in FIG. 3) is connected is provided at the approximate center of the wall portion B on the back surface side of the evaporation vessel 41, and the approximate center of the upper plate portion E of the evaporation vessel 41 In addition, a connecting portion 72 to which the first steam supply pipe 35 (shown in FIG. 3) is connected is provided. A flange portion 74 is provided at the edge of the opening portion 41a on the front side of the evaporation container 41, and an openable / closable lid 44 is attached to the opening portion 41a of the evaporation container 41 so that the outer edge portion abuts on the flange portion 74. .

  As shown in FIG. 8, a substantially rectangular heat-resistant glass window 45 is provided in the center of the lid 44.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, first and second steam generating heaters 42 </ b> A and 42 </ b> B, which are rod-shaped sheathed heaters having connection terminals at both ends, are connected to the lower surface side of the base A of the evaporation container 41 via a heater mounting plate 73. The evaporating vessel 41 is attached at a predetermined interval substantially in parallel along the longitudinal direction. The heater mounting plate 73 is bonded to the base A of the evaporation container 41 by welding or soldering, and the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B are bonded to the heater mounting plate 73 by soldering. Thus, the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B are brought into close contact with the base A of the evaporation container 41 via the heater mounting plate 73, thereby improving the thermal conductivity. Further, a temperature sensor 43 is attached to the approximate center of the heater attachment plate 73 and between the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B. An 800 W sheathed heater is used for the first steam generating heater 42A, and a 500 W sheathed heater is used for the second steam generating heater 42B. The first steam generating heater 42A is on the water supply side (connection portion). 71 side).

  10A shows a side view of the steam generator 40, and FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XB-XB in FIG. 10A and 10B, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the base A of the evaporation container 41 is provided with a bowl-shaped convex portion 46. In this embodiment, the height of the convex portion 46 with respect to the reference surface of the base A of the evaporation container 41 is about 2 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the water supplied through the connecting portion 71 and the water supply port 71a to the water reservoir S in a predetermined region surrounded by the bowl-shaped convex portion 46 and the wall portion B on the back surface side. Accumulate. Then, the base A is heated by the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B, the water accumulated in the water reservoir S evaporates to generate steam, and the generated steam passes through the supply port 72a and the connection part 72. And supplied to the steam temperature raising device 50.

  FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 11, the convex portion 46 of the base A of the evaporation container 41 is along the edge of the opening 41 a of the evaporation container 41. And straight portions 46a provided on the front side of the base A and bent portions 46b and 46c provided so as to bend and extend from both ends of the straight portion 46a toward the back side. The water supplied from the water tank 30 by the pump 33 is collected in a water reservoir S (a part of which is surrounded by the wall B on the back side) in a predetermined region surrounded by a convex portion 46 in a U shape. In this embodiment, the amount of water supplied at one time is a certain amount of 15 g to 20 g, but the amount of water supplied is not limited to this, and may be appropriately set according to the form of the steam generator. For example, the water supply unit of the steam generator of the present invention may change the amount of water that is intermittently supplied for each supply, may supply water continuously, or combine them. The supply of water may be controlled. Further, in this embodiment, the ridge-shaped convex portion 46 is provided on the base A so as to surround the predetermined region in a U-shape, but the shape of the ridge-shaped convex portion is not limited to this, and the predetermined What is necessary is just to surround at least a part of the region.

  12A shows a top view of the lid body 44, FIG. 12B shows a side view of the lid body 44, and FIG. 12C shows a side view of the lid body 44. FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the lid 44 includes a heat-resistant resin main body 44a having a window 45 disposed at the center, a flange 44b provided on the front side and the outer edge of the main body 44a, And a heat-resistant sealing member 73 fitted in an annular groove 75 formed on the outer periphery of the portion 44a. By fitting the main body 44 a of the lid 44 into the opening 41 a of the evaporation container 41 (shown in FIGS. 7 to 11), the inner peripheral surface of the evaporation container 41 and the lid 44 are sealed by the seal member 73. At the same time, the lid body 44 is fixed to the evaporation container 41 to prevent the lid body 44 from falling off.

  In the heating cooker 1 configured as described above, a power switch (not shown) in the operation panel 11 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed to turn on the power, and the operation of the cooking operation is started by operating the operation panel 11. Then, first, the control device 80 shown in FIG. 3 energizes the first and second steam generating heaters 42 </ b> A and 42 </ b> B, and starts the operation of the pump 33 with the exhaust passage 62 closed by the damper 68. Water is supplied from the water tank 30 into the evaporation container 41 of the steam generator 40 via the first and second water supply pipes 32 and 33 by the pump 33.

  Then, a predetermined amount of water accumulated in the evaporation container 41 is heated by the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B.

  Next, simultaneously with the energization of the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B, the blower fan 28 is turned on and the steam heater 52 of the steam temperature raising device 50 is energized. Then, the blower fan 28 sucks air (including steam) in the cooking chamber 20 from the suction port 25 and sends out air (including steam) to the second steam supply pipe 61. By using a centrifugal fan as the blower fan 28, it is possible to generate a higher pressure than the propeller fan. Furthermore, by rotating the centrifugal fan used for the blower fan 28 at a high speed with a DC motor, the flow velocity of the circulating airflow can be extremely increased.

  Next, when the water in the evaporation container 41 of the steam generator 40 boils, saturated steam is generated, and the generated saturated steam is sucked by the blower fan 28 via the first steam supply pipe 35, and the second steam is generated. It merges with the circulating airflow passing through the supply pipe 61. The steam joined to the circulating airflow flows into the steam temperature raising device 50 through the second steam supply pipe 61 at a high speed.

  The steam flowing into the steam temperature raising device 50 is heated by the steam heater 52 and becomes superheated steam at approximately 300 ° C. (depending on the cooking content). A part of the superheated steam is ejected downward from the plurality of ceiling steam outlets 55 provided in the lower ceiling panel 54 in the heating chamber 20. Further, another part of the superheated steam is ejected from the side surface steam outlets 24 on both side surfaces of the heating chamber 20 through the steam supply passages 23 provided on the left and right sides of the steam temperature raising device 50.

  Here, the convection steam in the heating chamber 20 is repeatedly sucked into the suction port 25 and returned to the heating chamber 20 again through the circulation path.

  During cooking, the control device 80 determines that there is water on the base A when the temperature of the base A of the evaporation container 41 of the steam generator 40 detected by the temperature sensor 43 is, for example, 110 ° C to 120 ° C. On the other hand, when the temperature of the base A detected by the temperature sensor 43 becomes 140 ° C. or more, for example, it is determined that the water on the base A has run out, the pump 33 is operated, and the first and second water supply from the water tank 30 A predetermined amount of water is supplied into the evaporation container 41 of the steam generator 40 through the pipes 32 and 33. Then, based on the temperature change of the base A of the evaporation container 41, the control device 80 intermittently supplies a predetermined amount of water into the evaporation container 41 of the steam generation device 40, so that the steam is almost continuously generated. appear.

  By forming convection of superheated steam in the heating chamber 20 in this way, the superheated steam from the steam heating device 50 is sent to the ceiling steam outlet 55 while maintaining the temperature and humidity distribution in the heating chamber 20 uniform. And the side steam outlet 24 and can efficiently collide with the object 90 to be heated placed on the rack 22. Then, the object to be heated 90 is heated by the collision of superheated steam. At this time, the superheated steam that has contacted the surface of the object to be heated 90 also heats the object to be heated 90 by releasing latent heat when dew condensation occurs on the surface of the object to be heated 90. As a result, a large amount of heat of the superheated steam can be uniformly and quickly applied to the entire surface of the article 90 to be heated. Therefore, it is possible to realize cooking with no unevenness and good finish. Moreover, since the inside of the heating chamber 20 filled with superheated steam is in a low oxygen concentration state of about 1%, the oxidation of the article 90 to be heated is suppressed and vitamin C and the like are not impaired.

  Further, in the heating cooking operation, when time elapses, the amount of steam in the cooking chamber 20 increases, and the surplus amount of steam is discharged from the discharge port 27 through the discharge passage 64 into the first exhaust. It is discharged from the mouth 65 to the outside.

  After the cooking is finished, the control device 80 displays a cooking end message on the operation panel 11 and further sounds a signal by a buzzer (not shown) provided on the operation panel 11. Thereby, when the user who knows the end of cooking opens the door 12, the control device 80 detects that the door 12 has been opened by a sensor (not shown), and instantly opens the damper 68 of the exhaust passage 62. . Accordingly, the second steam supply pipe 61 in the circulation path communicates with the second exhaust port 63 via the exhaust passage 62, and the steam in the cooking chamber 20 is sucked into the suction port 25 and the second steam supply pipe 61 by the blower fan 28. And the second exhaust port 63 through the exhaust passage 62. This damper operation is the same even if the user opens the door 12 during cooking. Thereby, the user can take out the to-be-heated material 90 from the cooking chamber 20 safely, without being exposed to a vapor | steam.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the controller 80 during cooking using steam.

  First, when the power is turned on, the process proceeds to step S1, and the tank process shown in FIG. 14 is performed.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is determined that the heating is started, the process proceeds to step S3, whereas if it is determined that the heating is not started, the process proceeds to step S6.

  And the heat processing shown in FIG. 15 are performed by step S3.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S4, and if it is determined that the heating is completed, the process proceeds to step S5, whereas if it is determined that the heating is not completed, the process returns to step S3.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the heating is extended, the process returns to step S3. If it is determined that the heating is not extended, the process proceeds to step S6.

  Next, when it is determined in step S6 that the condition for turning off the power is satisfied, the power is turned off.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the power-off condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S1.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the tank processing in step S1 shown in FIG.

  When the tank process is started, it is determined whether or not a menu that requires water is selected in step S11. If it is determined that a menu that requires water is selected, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that a menu that requires water has not been selected, this process ends.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the water tank 30 is not detected by the water tank attachment detection sensor 95, the process proceeds to step S13, and an insertion request for the water tank 30 is made.

  On the other hand, if it determines with there being the water tank 30 by step S12, this process will be complete | finished.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the heating process in step S3 shown in FIG.

  First, the heater is turned on in step S21. Here, the heaters are the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B.

  Next, it progresses to step S22 and performs the initial water supply process shown in FIG.

  Next, it progresses to step S23 and the water supply process shown in FIG. 17 is performed.

  Next, it progresses to step S24 and the steam generation control process shown in FIG. 19 is performed.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S25, and if it is determined that the heating is not completed, the process returns to step S23, while if it is determined that the heating is completed, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 16 shows a flowchart for explaining the initial water supply process.

  In step S31 of the initial water supply process, the temperature sensor 43 detects the temperature of the base A of the evaporation container 41 of the steam generator 40 (base temperature in FIG. 16). Here, the temperature of the base A of the evaporation container 41 corresponds to the temperature of the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S32, and if it is determined that the base temperature detected in step S31 is lower than 110 ° C., the process proceeds to step S33, whereas if it is determined that the base temperature is 110 ° C. or higher, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S33, the temperature sensor 43 detects the base temperature.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S34, and if it is determined that the base temperature detected in step S33 exceeds 110 ° C., the process proceeds to step S35, whereas if it is determined that the base temperature is 110 ° C. or lower, the process returns to step S33, and step S33 , S34 is repeated.

  In step S35, the pump 33 is operated for 7 seconds to supply water to the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41.

  In step S36, the temperature sensor 43 detects the base temperature again.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S37, and if it is determined that the base temperature detected in step S33 exceeds 150 ° C. as an example of a predetermined initial feed water temperature, the process proceeds to step S38, while the base temperature is 150 ° C. or lower. If it determines, it will return to step S36 and will repeat step S36, S37.

  In step S38, the pump 33 is operated for 7 seconds to supply water to the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41.

  FIG. 17 shows a flowchart for explaining the water supply process.

  In step S41 of this water supply process, the temperature sensor 43 detects the temperature of the base A of the evaporation container 41 of the steam generator 40 (base temperature in FIG. 17).

  Next, if it is determined in step S42 that there is a temperature decrease within the predetermined time by the temperature decrease determination unit 80a, the process proceeds to step S43, whereas if it is determined that there is no temperature decrease within the predetermined time, this process is terminated. Here, the temperature decrease determination unit 80a determines that the temperature has decreased when the temperature decreases within a predetermined time.

  Next, the base temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 43 in step S43.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S44, and if it is determined that the first predetermined temperature (for example, 3 ° C.) has increased from the minimum value detected by the minimum value detection unit 80b, the process proceeds to step S45, while the first predetermined temperature increases from the minimum value. If it determines with not, it will return to step S43 and will repeat step S43, S44. Here, the minimum value detection unit 80b detects the minimum value by updating the minimum value when the temperature of the base A decreases.

  Next, the base temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 43 in step S45.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S46, and if the temperature increase determination unit 80c determines that the second predetermined temperature (eg, 20 ° C.) as an example of the temperature increase determination value has increased from the minimum value, the process proceeds to step S47, while the minimum value is 2 If it is determined that the predetermined temperature has not risen, the process returns to step S45, and steps S45 and S46 are repeated.

  Then, in step S47, the pump operation process shown in FIG. 18A is performed, and this process ends.

  Next, FIG. 18A shows a flowchart for explaining the pump operation processing.

  In step S51 of this pump operation process, a water supply interval is calculated. That is, the time from the previous water supply until the pump operation process is started is calculated.

  Next, it progresses to step S52, and when it determines with the frequency | count of water supply being 2 or less, while progressing to step S56, when it determines with the frequency | count of water supply exceeding 2, it will progress to step S53.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S53, and if it is determined that the water supply interval is within the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S55, whereas if it is determined that the water supply interval is not within the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S54. Here, the predetermined range is over 50 seconds (lower limit time) and less than 90 seconds (upper limit time).

  Next, the pump operation time is corrected in step S54.

  In step S55, the pump 33 is operated for 7 seconds (or the pump operation time corrected in step S54), and this process is terminated.

  The details of the correction of the pump operation time in step S54 will be described below with an example. Since the water supply amount of the pump 33 fluctuates due to variations in the water supply amount of the pump 33 due to the scale adhering to the water supply path and the water amount in the water tank 30, the pump operation time is corrected so that the water supply amount falls within a predetermined range. To do.

  In the experiment using the heating cooker of this embodiment, the amount of steam when heated only by the second steam generating heater 42B (500 W) is 12 g / 1 minute, and the first and second steam generating heaters 42A, 42B ( The amount of steam when heated at 1300 W) was 27 g / 1 min.

First, based on the amount of steam obtained by the above experiment and the water supply interval [seconds] immediately before, based on 60 [seconds],
Estimated water supply [g] = Steam volume [g] x Water supply interval [seconds] / 60 [seconds]
To calculate the predicted water supply.

Next, based on the calculated predicted water supply amount, the reference water amount supplied to the evaporation container 41 (15 g in this embodiment), and the pump operation time at the time of the previous water supply,
Optimal pump operating time [seconds] = reference water volume [g] x pump operating time [seconds] / predicted water supply [g]
To calculate the optimal pump operating time.

  FIG. 18B shows a case where the pump operation time is corrected using only the second steam generating heater 42B (500 W) using a steam amount of 12 g / 1 minute, and the water supply interval [seconds] from the first to the 11th water supply of the initial water supply, The values of the operation time [second], the calculated predicted water supply amount [g], and the calculated optimum pump operation time [second] are shown.

As shown in FIG. 18B, for example, if the third water supply interval is 50 seconds, it is not within the predetermined range.
Estimated water supply [g] = 12 [g] x 50 [seconds] / 60 [seconds]
= 10 [g]
To calculate a predicted supply amount of 10 g, and based on the predicted supply amount of 10 g,
Optimal pump operating time [sec] = 15 [g] x 7 [sec] / 10 [g]
= 10.5 [seconds]
Thus, the optimum pump operating time of 10.5 seconds is obtained. As a result, the third pump operation time is changed from 7 seconds to the optimum pump operation time of 10.5 seconds. The next pump operation time is set to 10.5 seconds. In the fourth and subsequent pump operation processes, 10.5 seconds is the pump operation time until the “pump operation time correction” in S54 is performed again.

On the other hand, if the seventh water supply interval is 100 seconds,
Estimated water supply [g] = 12 [g] x 100 [seconds] / 60 [seconds]
= 20 [g]
Is used to calculate the predicted supply amount 20 g, and based on the predicted supply amount 20 g,
Optimal pump operating time [sec] = 15 [g] x 10.5 [sec] / 20 [g]
≒ 7.88 [seconds]
Thus, the optimum pump operating time 7.88 [seconds] is obtained. As a result, the seventh pump operation time is changed from 10.5 seconds to the optimum pump operation time of 7.88 seconds. The next pump operation time is set to 7.88 seconds. In the eighth and subsequent pump operation processes, 7.88 seconds is the pump operation time until the “pump operation time correction” in S54 is performed again.

  In this way, the pump operation time is corrected so that the water supply interval is within the predetermined range (50 seconds to 90 seconds) as much as possible. In addition, when the pump operation time after correction becomes 7 seconds or less of the initial value, and when cooking is completed, the pump operation time is reset to the initial value of 7 seconds.

  19A and 19B show a flowchart for explaining the steam generation control process.

  In this steam generation control process, the temperature of the base A of the evaporation container 41 of the steam generator 40 (base temperature in FIG. 17) is detected by the temperature sensor 43 in step S61 shown in FIG. 19A.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S62. If it is determined that the base temperature exceeds the second upper limit temperature, cooking is forcibly terminated, whereas if it is determined that the base temperature is equal to or lower than the second upper limit temperature, the process proceeds to step S63.

  Next, if it is determined in step S63 that the base temperature exceeds the first upper limit temperature, the process proceeds to step S64, whereas if it is determined that the base temperature is equal to or lower than the first upper limit temperature, the process proceeds to step S71 shown in FIG. 19B.

  In step S64, the heaters (first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B) are turned off.

  Next, in step S65, the pump 33 is operated for 7 seconds.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S66, and if it is determined that the time integration of the heater output value is started, the process proceeds to step S68, whereas if it is determined that the time integration of the heater output value is not started, the process proceeds to step S67. The time integration of the value is started, and the process proceeds to step S69. In addition, the electric energy (Wh) is obtained by performing time integration of the heater output value, and the heater output average value for a certain time (for example, 5 minutes) is calculated from the integrated electric energy.

  Next, if it is determined in step S68 that the heater output average value for a certain time is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the water tank 30 is empty, and if it is determined that the heater output average value for a certain time exceeds the predetermined value, Proceed to step S69.

  If it is determined in step S69 that the base temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S70. If it is determined that the base temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, step S69 is repeated.

  In step S70, the heaters (first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B) are turned on, and this process is terminated. Then, it returns to the process shown in FIG. 15, and a water supply process is performed again.

  Moreover, in step S71 shown in FIG. 19B, if it is determined that the cooking is one minute before the end of cooking, the process proceeds to step S72. If it is determined that the cooking is not one minute before the end, this process is ended. Then, it returns to the process shown in FIG. 15, and a water supply process is performed again.

  Next, in step S72, the first steam generating heater 42A is turned off.

  Next, proceeding to step S73, the base temperature is detected.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S74, and if it is determined that the base temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S75, the second steam generating heater 42B is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S77.

  On the other hand, if it determines with base temperature being less than predetermined temperature by step S74, it will progress to step S76, will turn on the 2nd steam generation heater 42B, and will progress to step S77.

  Next, if it is determined in step S77 that cooking has not ended, the process returns to step S73, and steps S73 to S77 are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S77 that cooking has ended, this process ends. Then, it returns to the process shown in FIG. 15, and complete | finishes a heat processing.

  The determination of whether or not the water tank 30 in steps S64 to S68 shown in FIG. 19 is empty is performed when there is no water level detection unit 31 that detects the amount of water in the water tank 30 or for detecting the amount of water in the water tank 30. The weight of the water tank 30 is measured when there is no weight sensor. The determination of whether or not the water tank 30 is empty in steps S64 to S68 may be used in combination with other detection means such as the water level detection unit 31.

  The control device 80 operates in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 to 19 to evaporate the water supplied to the evaporation container 41 by heating the base A of the evaporation container 41 by the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B. Steam generation operation is performed.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of the change in base temperature. In FIG. 20, the horizontal axis represents time, the vertical axis represents the base temperature, the black circle represents the first initial water supply, and the white circle represents the second and subsequent water supplies. As shown in FIG. 20, the base temperature of the evaporation container 41 changes, the water supply interval t1 from the first initial water supply to the second water supply, and the water supply interval from the second water supply to the third water supply. t2, the water supply interval t3 from the third water supply to the fourth water supply, and then t4, t5. Thus, the minimum value of the base temperature that repeats the descent and rise increases as the amount of the scale in the evaporation container 41 increases. Along with this, the maximum value of the base temperature naturally increases. When the base temperature exceeds the first upper limit temperature (for example, 300 ° C.), the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B are turned off to prevent overheating, and the pump is used to cool the evaporation container 41 and the like. 33 is operated for 7 seconds (steps S64 and S65 in FIG. 19). If the base temperature exceeds the second upper limit temperature (for example, 350 ° C.), cooking is forcibly terminated (step S62 in FIG. 19).

  According to the steam generator 40 having the above-described configuration, in the steam generation operation by the control device 80, the base A of the evaporation container 41 is heated by the first and second steam generator heaters 42A and 42B, while the water supply unit (30, 32, 33, 34), water is intermittently supplied to the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41, and the temperature of the base A detected by the temperature sensor 43 repeatedly decreases and increases. At this time, when the temperature of the base A is increased from the minimum value to a predetermined temperature increase determination value or more by the control device 80, water is supplied to the water reservoir S, so that a scale is generated in the evaporation container 41 and the water reservoir Even if the temperature of S cannot be detected accurately, steam generation control can be performed reliably.

  In the steam generating operation for evaporating the water supplied to the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41 by heating the base A of the evaporation container 41 by the first and second steam generating heaters 42A and 42B, the controller 80 The temperature decrease determination unit 80a determines whether or not the temperature of the base A detected by the temperature sensor 43 has decreased after water is supplied to the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41. Then, after determining that the temperature of the base A has decreased by the temperature decrease determination unit 80a, the minimum value detection unit 80b of the control device 80 determines that the temperature of the base A detected by the temperature sensor 43 increases when the temperature of the base A increases. A minimum value is detected in a period in which the temperature of A rises after the temperature falls. When the temperature rise determination unit 80c of the control device 80 determines that the temperature of the base A is higher than the minimum value by the temperature rise determination value or more, the pump 33 is operated to supply water to the water reservoir S. As described above, the temperature drop determination unit 80a, the minimum value detection unit 80b, and the temperature rise determination unit 80c accurately detect the temperature of the water reservoir S by the scale adhering to the water supply path from the water supply unit or the evaporation container 41. Even if it becomes impossible, accurate steam generation control can be easily performed.

  Further, at the start of the steam generation operation, since the base A of the evaporation container 41 is low in temperature, it is difficult to obtain the above minimum value. Therefore, the temperature of the base A detected by the temperature sensor 43 is a predetermined initial water supply amount. When the temperature becomes higher than the temperature, by supplying water to the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41, the subsequent steam generation operation using the minimum value can be smoothly started.

  Further, when the time interval for supplying water to the water reservoir S becomes equal to or less than the lower limit time by the control device 80, the operation time of the pump 33 is increased every time the water is supplied to the water reservoir S, while water is supplied to the water reservoir S. When the interval is equal to or longer than the upper limit time, the operation time of the pump 33 is reduced every time the water is supplied to the water reservoir S. Accordingly, it is possible to correct the variation in the amount of water supply due to a scale or the like adhering to the water supply path, so that an amount of water within a predetermined range is supplied to the water reservoir S every time. In this embodiment, the operation time of the pump 33 is controlled every time water is supplied, but the water supply capacity of the pump may be controlled.

  Moreover, according to the heating cooker of the said structure, even if a scale arises in the evaporation container 41 and the temperature of the water storage part S cannot be detected correctly, the steam generator 40 which can perform steam generation control reliably is provided. By using it, a cooking device with good performance can be realized.

  In addition, the controller 80 does not supply water to the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41 from the predetermined time before the end of cooking until the end of cooking, and the temperature of the base A detected by the temperature sensor 43 is stored in the water reservoir. The base A of the evaporation container 41 is heated by the second steam generating heater 42B so as to be equal to or higher than the temperature at which the water in the part S evaporates (more preferably, the temperature at which the water in the water reservoir evaporates before the cooking is finished). By doing so, water does not remain in the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41 at the end of cooking, and there is no need to drain. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a drain valve or a drain pipe, and the hygienic state is not deteriorated such as mold is generated in the water remaining in the water reservoir S of the evaporation container 41 or bacteria are propagated. A cost-effective and hygienic heating cooker can be realized.

  Moreover, according to the heating cooker 1, the steam generation device 40 can be realized with a simple configuration that can quickly start the steam generation, can easily attach the heater portions (42A, 42B), and can be easily cleaned. can do. Further, water is supplied from the water supply unit (30, 32, 33, 34) or the heater unit (42A, 42B) is energized so that water does not remain in the evaporation container 41 of the steam generator 40 when cooking is completed. By controlling, it is not necessary to drain the evaporation container 41, the hygiene aspect is improved, the drainage valve, the drainage path and the like are not required, the configuration can be simplified, and the size and cost can be reduced. Furthermore, steam can be repeatedly generated by intermittently supplying a small amount of water into a predetermined region on the base A from the water supply unit, and the base A can be greatly increased compared to a heater disposed in the pot. The steam generator 40 can be downsized.

  In addition, an evaporation container 41 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the base A of the steam generation device 40 is a substantially rectangular bottom is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is substantially horizontal, and one length of the base A of the evaporation container 41 is set. By attaching an openable / closable lid 44 to the opening 41a provided on the side surface of the side, the user can easily remove the lid 44 and clean the inside of the evaporation container 41. The lid opening / closing structure is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to an opening / closing lid having another structure. For example, a lid opening / closing structure may be provided on the wall surface side of the cooking chamber 20.

  Further, by attaching the heater portions (42A, 42B) to the lower side of the base portion A via the heater attachment plate 73, heat from the heater portions (42A, 42B) is uniformly dispersed by the heater attachment plate 73, The lower side of the base A can be heated evenly, heat loss can be reduced, and efficiency can be improved.

  Further, among the two sheathed heaters used in the heater portions (42A, 42B), the heat generation amount of the sheathed heater (42A) on the water supply side is made larger than that of the other sheathed heaters (42B), so that the base A However, the efficiency of steam generation can be improved by concentrating the heat as much as possible in the water supply side region where water is present most than in other regions. In this embodiment, two sheathed heaters are used for the heater portions (42A, 42B), but three or more sheathed heaters may be used, or other heating means (for example, a planar heater, a heating wire) , IH heating, heating by combustion of gas, etc.) may be used.

  Further, by arranging the temperature sensor 43 in the vicinity of the water supply port 71a for supplying water onto the base A from the water supply unit, the temperature change of the base A can be accurately measured by the temperature sensor 43. .

  Moreover, according to the heating cooker of this invention, a low-cost and good-performance heating cooker can be realized.

  Further, according to the steam generating device 40, water is supplied from the water supply port 71a by heating the evaporation container 41 by the heater portions (42A, 42B) in a state where the opening 41a of the evaporation container 41 is closed by the lid 44. It is possible to evaporate the water in the water reservoir S and supply steam to the outside from the evaporation container 41 through the supply port 72a. Then, by opening the lid 44 and exposing the inside of the evaporation container 41 through the opening 41 a provided on the side surface of the evaporation container 41, it becomes easier to put the hand into the evaporation container 41. Therefore, it is possible to realize a sanitary steam generator 40 that can easily clean the inside of the evaporation container 41.

  Further, by providing the lid body 44 so as to be openable and closable on the side surface provided with the opening 41a of the evaporation container 41, the opening 41a of the evaporation container 41 and the lid body 44 can be reliably fitted, and the evaporation container 41 The sealing performance of the opening 41a can be improved.

  In addition, by providing an opening facing the opening 41a of the evaporation container 41 on the inner wall surface of the cooking chamber 20, the inside of the evaporation container 41 with the lid 44 opened as viewed from the inside of the cooking chamber 20 passes through the opening 41a. As a result, it becomes easy to put a hand from the cooking chamber 20 into the evaporation container 41, and the evaporation container 41 can be easily cleaned. Note that an opening facing the opening 41a of the evaporation container 41 may be provided on the outer wall surface of the main casing 10. In this case, the inside of the evaporation container is exposed through the opening as viewed from the outside of the main casing. The hand can be easily put into the evaporation container from the outside, and the evaporation container can be easily cleaned.

  In addition, in the said embodiment, although the cover body 44 was provided in the steam generator 40 side, you may provide a cover body in the inner wall face of a cooking chamber. In this case, since the lid of the evaporation container also serves as a part of the inner wall surface of the cooking chamber, there is no need to secure an extra space for the lid 44 in the main body casing 10, and the heating cooker can be downsized. Since there is room in the space on the inner wall surface of the cooking chamber 20, an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the lid 44 can be provided more easily than the evaporation container 41 side. Further, a lid body that can open and close the opening may be provided on the outer wall surface of the main body casing. In this case, the lid body of the evaporation container also serves as a part of the outer wall surface of the main body casing. It is not necessary to secure an extra space for the main body casing 10, the heating cooker can be downsized, and the space on the outer wall surface of the main body casing has room, so that the lid can be opened and closed more than the evaporation container side. A mechanism can be easily provided.

  Further, in this embodiment, the opening 41a of the evaporation container 41 is opposed to the opening provided on the inner wall surface on the rear surface side of the cooking chamber 20 with the opening facing the opening 41a of the evaporation container 41 of the steam generating device 40. As described above, the steam generator 40 is arranged in the main casing 10, but the steam generator may be arranged in the cooking chamber. In this case, the inside of the evaporation container with the lid opened is exposed through the opening, making it easier to put the hand inside the evaporation container in the cooking chamber and facilitating cleaning of the evaporation container.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the steam generator 40 provided with the stainless steel rectangular parallelepiped-shaped evaporation container 41 by which the opening part 41a was provided in the one side surface of the longitudinal side was demonstrated, the evaporation container of a steam generator is described. The shape is not limited to this, and any shape having a substantially flat base portion may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the heating cooker 1 using the steam generation apparatus 40 was demonstrated, you may apply the steam generation apparatus of this invention not only to a heating cooker but to the other apparatus which uses steam. .

  Further, the amount of water in the water tank 30 may be detected by using a weight sensor that detects the weight of at least a part of the water tank 30.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a cooking device using a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a state where the door of the cooking device shown in FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the cooking device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the cooking device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the heating cooker without a door. FIG. 6 is a back view of the heating cooker without a main casing. FIG. 7 is a top view of the steam generator of the heating cooker. FIG. 8 is a front view of the steam generator. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the steam generator. FIG. 10A is a side view of the steam generator. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XB-XB in FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. FIG. 12 is a top view, a front view, and a side view of the lid of the steam generator. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the controller when cooking using steam. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining tank processing. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the heat treatment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the initial water supply process. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the water supply process. FIG. 18A is a flowchart for explaining the pump operation processing. FIG. 18B is a diagram for explaining correction of the pump operation time in the pump operation process. FIG. 19A is a flowchart for explaining the steam generation control process. FIG. 19B is a flowchart following FIG. 19A. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing changes in the base temperature. FIG. 21A is a schematic diagram for explaining the minimum value. FIG. 21B is a schematic diagram for explaining the minimum value.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Heating cooker 10 ... Main body casing 11 ... Operation panel 12 ... Door 13 ... Handle 14 ... Window 20 ... Cooking room 21 ... Sauce tray 22 ... Rack 25 ... Suction port 26 ... Fan casing 27 ... Release port 28 ... Blower fan 30 ... Water tank 31 ... Water level detection unit 32 ... First water supply pipe 34 ... Second water supply pipe 33 ... Pump 35 ... First steam supply pipe 36 ... Water tank water level sensor 37 ... Water tank storage unit 40 ... Steam generator 41 ... Evaporating container 41a ... Opening 42A ... First steam generating heater 42B ... Second steam generating heater 43 ... Temperature sensor 46 ... Convex part 48 ... Temperature sensor 50 ... Steam heating device 51 ... Dish-shaped case 52 ... Steam heater 61 ... Second steam supply pipe 62 ... exhaust passage 63 ... second exhaust port 64 ... discharge passage 65 ... first exhaust port 68 ... damper 71, 72 ... connection 71a Water inlet 72a ... supply port 80 ... controller 80a ... temperature fall determining unit 80b ... minimum value detecting unit 80b
80c ... Temperature rise determination unit 81 ... Cooking chamber temperature sensor 82 ... Cooking chamber humidity sensor 83 ... Power supply unit 84 ... Storage unit 85 ... Detection unit 86 ... Heating unit 90 ... Heated object 95 ... Water tank mounting detection sensor S ... Water reservoir

Claims (7)

An evaporation vessel;
A water supply unit for supplying water to the water reservoir in the evaporation container;
A heater unit for heating the water reservoir of the evaporation container and evaporating water supplied from the water supply unit to the water reservoir;
A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water reservoir of the evaporation container;
A controller for controlling the water supply unit and the heater unit based on the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor;
The control device
While the water reservoir of the evaporation container is heated by the heater unit, water is intermittently supplied from the water supply unit to the water reservoir of the evaporation container, so that the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor is In the steam generation operation in which the temperature is repeatedly lowered and raised, the water supply portion is caused to supply water to the water reservoir portion when the temperature of the water reservoir portion rises from a minimum value to a predetermined temperature rise determination value or more. A steam generator. The steam generator according to claim 1,
The control device
In the steam generation operation, a temperature decrease determination unit that determines whether or not the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor has decreased after water is supplied from the water supply unit to the water reservoir,
When the temperature of the water reservoir is detected by the temperature sensor after the temperature decrease determining unit determines that the temperature of the water reservoir is decreased, the temperature in the period when the temperature of the water reservoir is increased after the temperature is decreased. A minimum value detection unit for detecting a minimum value;
After the minimum value is detected by the minimum value detection unit, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor is higher than the temperature increase determination value than the detected minimum value. A temperature rise determination unit,
When the temperature increase determination unit determines that the temperature of the water reservoir is higher than the temperature increase determination value by more than the minimum value, the steam generator causes the water supply unit to supply water to the water reservoir. . The steam generator according to claim 2,
The control device
When the temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined initial water supply temperature by heating the water reservoir of the evaporation container with the heater at the start of the steam generation operation, the water supply A steam generator characterized in that the water is supplied to the water reservoir. In the steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The water supply unit has a water tank, and a pump for sending water in the water tank to the water reservoir of the evaporation container,
The control device controls an operation time or a water supply capacity of the pump every time the water is supplied to the water reservoir so that an interval of supplying water from the water supply to the water reservoir is within a predetermined range. A steam generator. In the steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The water supply unit has a water tank, and a pump for sending water in the water tank to the water reservoir of the evaporation container,
When the time interval for supplying water to the water reservoir by the water supply unit becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit time, the control device increases the operation time or the water supply capacity of the pump every time the water supply unit is supplied to the water reservoir. When the time interval for supplying water to the water reservoir by the unit reaches an upper limit time or more, the operation time or water supply capacity of the pump is reduced each time the water is supplied to the water reservoir.   A cooking device comprising the steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The heating cooker according to claim 6, wherein
In cooking using steam from the steam generator, the controller is
The temperature of the water reservoir detected by the temperature sensor is not supplied from the water supply unit to the water reservoir of the evaporation container from the predetermined time before the end of cooking until the end of cooking. A heating cooker, characterized in that the water reservoir of the evaporating container is heated by the heater so that the temperature of the water in the heater is equal to or higher.

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