JP2010038407A - Steam generator and heating cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user-friendly steam generator capable of reducing time and labor for cleaning and having a simple mechanism for discharging scale in water. <P>SOLUTION: A steam generation part 101 is provided with a sump part 105 and a discharge valve 117 for discharging water stored in the sump part 105. A water supply tank 102 can be attached/detached to/from the steam generation part 101 by a connection part 122. An attachment/detachment cooperation lever 127 controls the water discharge valve 117 so that the water stored in the sump part 105 is not discharged when the steam generation part 101 is connected to the water supply tank 102 and the water stored in the sump part 105 is discharged when the connection of the steam generation part 101 to the water supply tank 102 is released. A liquid crystal display part provides a user with information to urge him/her to dispose water within a drip pan 9 when the number of times when the drip pan 9 is not detached becomes a predetermined number after steam is generated by heating by a water heater 103. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam generator and a heating cooker that heats an object to be heated with hot air or superheated steam.

  Steam generators are used in various applications using water vapor. For example, food processing and cooking use as a heating medium supply source, indoor air conditioning for humidification indoors, medical use such as sterilization, industrial uses such as cleaning parts and supplying steam for power generation turbines.

  As a steam generator in an electric product, there is one described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-343844 (Patent Document 1). This steam generator (hereinafter, referred to as “first conventional steam generator”) employs a method of generating steam in a heating chamber in which an object to be heated is placed. More specifically, the steam generator of the first conventional example includes an evaporating dish installed in a heating chamber, heats the evaporating dish with an evaporating dish heater, and changes water accumulated in the evaporating dish to steam.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-265378 describes a steam generator of a system different from the steam generator of the first conventional example. This different type of steam generator (hereinafter referred to as “second conventional steam generator”) includes a pot installed outside the heating chamber, and steam in the pot is directly heated by a steam generator heater. Is generated.

  In the steam generator of the second conventional example, when the pot water level drops to a predetermined level as steam is generated, the water supply pump replenishes the pot with water. If the amount of water in the pot is excessive, a part of the water in the pot is drained through the drain pipe. At this time, the drain valve provided in the drain pipe is opened, and the drain valve is opened by a motor that receives a command from the control device.

  By the way, in the steam generator of the first conventional example, heating of the evaporating dish may continue until the water accumulated in the evaporating dish is completely evaporated. For this reason, calcium or magnesium contained in the water becomes a scale and adheres to the evaporating dish. As a result, the user has to clean the evaporating dish, and there is a problem that the labor of cleaning increases.

  In the steam generator of the second conventional example, the scale deposited in the pot is discharged out of the pot together with water, and therefore does not stick to the pot. However, since the mechanism for discharging the scale is composed of a drain valve, a motor that drives the drain valve, and a control device that issues a command to the motor, there is a problem that it becomes complicated.

Further, in the steam generator of the second conventional example, further improvement in usability is required.
JP 2003-343844 A JP 2005-265378 A

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator that can reduce the labor involved in cleaning, has a simple mechanism for discharging scales in water, and is easy to use.

  Moreover, the other subject of this invention is providing the heating cooker provided with such a steam generator.

In order to solve the above problems, the steam generator according to the present invention comprises:
A steam generator having a water reservoir and a drainage for draining the water accumulated in the water reservoir,
A water supply tank for containing water to be supplied to the water reservoir of the steam generation unit;
A heating unit for heating and evaporating the water accumulated in the water reservoir,
A connecting part for detachably connecting the steam generating part and the water supply tank;
An interlocking portion that interlocks with the attachment and detachment of the steam generation portion and the water supply tank;
A detachable drainage tank for receiving water drained by the drainage part of the steam generating part;
An attachment / detachment detector for detecting attachment / detachment of the drainage tank;
A storage unit for storing the number of times the drainage tank is not removed after generating steam by heating the heating unit;
A notification unit for notifying the user of the information on the drainage tank,
The interlocking unit is configured so that when the steam generation unit and the water supply tank are connected, the water accumulated in the water storage unit is not drained, and the connection between the steam generation unit and the water supply tank is released. Operating the drainage part so that the water collected in the water reservoir part is drained,
The notification unit is characterized in that when the number of times stored in the storage unit reaches a preset number of times, a notification that prompts the user to discard the water in the drain tank is provided.

  According to the steam generating apparatus having the above configuration, when the connection between the steam generating unit and the water supply tank is released, the interlocking unit operates the drainage unit, and the water accumulated in the water reservoir is drained. Thereby, since the scale deposited in the water reservoir of the steam generating unit is discharged out of the water reservoir together with water, the scale can be prevented from sticking to the water reservoir. As a result, the number of cleanings to remove the scale from the water reservoir is reduced, and the cleaning effort can be reduced.

  The scale can be discharged by the interlocking unit and the drainage unit without using a control device, for example. Therefore, the mechanism for discharging the scale can be simplified.

  Further, when the steam generation unit and the water supply tank are connected, the water accumulated in the water reservoir is not drained. Thereby, water can be reliably stored in the water reservoir, and the water can be heated by the heater. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heating unit from being heated in a state where it is not accumulated in the water reservoir.

  By the way, after generating steam by heating the heating unit, the user takes out the water supply tank, supplies water to the water supply tank, and attaches the water supply tank again. At this time, since the connection between the steam generation unit and the water supply tank is released, the water drained from the drainage unit accumulates in the drainage tank. And when the said cancellation | release is repeated, if the water in a drainage tank is not discarded, the water level in a drainage tank will rise and finally water will overflow from a drainage tank.

  Therefore, after generating steam by heating the heating unit, the number of times the drain tank is not removed is stored in the storage unit, and when the number of times reaches a preset number, the notification unit The user is notified to prompt the user to discard the water. Thereby, the user can know that there is a danger of water overflowing from the drainage tank.

  Thus, even if the user does not visually confirm the water level in the drainage tank, the user can know the disposal time of the water in the drainage tank, which is convenient.

The steam generator of one embodiment
When the said frequency | count memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part turns into a preset frequency | count, the control part which performs control which prohibits the heating of the water by the said heating part is provided.

  According to the steam generator of the above embodiment, when the number of times the drain tank is not removed after generating steam by heating the heating unit is a preset number of times, the control unit Since the control for prohibiting the heating of the water is performed, it is possible to prevent the heating unit from heating the water in a state where the drain tank cannot accommodate the water.

The steam generator of one embodiment
A drainage path having a discharge port for guiding water drained by the drainage part of the steam generation part to the drainage tank and discharging the water toward the drainage tank;
An open / close valve provided in the drainage path and opening and closing the discharge port;
The on-off valve opens the discharge port according to the attachment of the drainage tank, and closes the discharge port according to the removal of the drainage tank.

  According to the steam generator of the above embodiment, since the on-off valve opens the discharge port when the drainage tank is mounted, the drainage preparation of the water reservoir is completed only by mounting the drainage tank.

  Also, even if the drainage tank is removed while water remains in the drainage channel, the on-off valve closes the discharge port when the drainage tank is removed. You can prevent going out.

The heating cooker of the present invention is
The steam generator according to the present invention is provided.

  According to the cooking device having the above-described configuration, since the steam generation device is provided, the maintenance burden can be reduced and the production can be easily performed.

  According to the steam generator of the present invention, the interlocking unit operates the drainage unit so that the water accumulated in the water reservoir is drained when the connection between the steam generator and the water supply tank is released. If the connection between the steam generation unit and the water supply tank is released, the scale deposited in the water reservoir of the steam generation unit is discharged out of the water reservoir together with water, so that the scale can be prevented from sticking to the water reservoir. As a result, the number of cleanings to remove the scale from the water reservoir is reduced, and the cleaning effort can be reduced.

  Further, since the scale can be discharged by the interlocking portion and the drainage portion, the mechanism for discharging the scale can be simplified.

  In addition, the interlocking unit connects the steam generation unit and the water supply tank by operating the drainage unit so that the water accumulated in the water storage unit is not drained when the steam generation unit and the water supply tank are connected. Then, since the water accumulated in the water reservoir is not drained, water can be reliably accumulated in the water reservoir, and the water can be heated by the heating unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent so-called emptying of the heating unit.

  Further, after generating steam by heating the heating unit, the storage unit stores the number of times the drain tank has not been removed, and when the number of times reaches a preset number, the notification unit Since the user is notified to prompt the user to discard the water, the user can know the time to discard the water in the drainage tank without visually checking the water level in the drainage tank, thereby improving usability. .

  According to the cooking device of the present invention, since the steam generating device is provided, the maintenance burden can be reduced and manufacturing can be easily performed.

  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.

[First Embodiment]
Drawing 1 is a schematic structure figure of a cooking-by-heating machine of a 1st embodiment of the present invention.

  The heating cooker includes a main casing 1, a cooking chamber 2 provided in the main casing 1, a steam generator 3 that generates steam, and steam that heats steam from the steam generator 3 to form superheated steam. A heater 4 and a controller 5 that controls operations of the steam generator 3 and the steam heater 4 are provided. Here, the said superheated steam means the steam heated to the overheated state of 100 degreeC or more. The control device is an example of a control unit.

  A door (not shown) is rotatably attached to the front surface of the main body casing 1. The door rotates about the lower end side as a substantial center.

  The cooking chamber 2 has an opening on the front side that is opened and closed by the door. Moreover, the side surface, bottom surface, and top surface of the cooking chamber 2 are made of stainless steel plates. The user puts the object to be heated 7 into the cooking chamber 2 or takes out the object 7 to be heated from the cooking chamber 2 through the opening. Moreover, the heat insulating material (not shown) is arrange | positioned around the cooking chamber 2, and the inside of the cooking chamber 2 and the exterior are insulated.

  In the cooking chamber 2, a stainless steel tray 6 is placed at a predetermined interval from the bottom surface of the cooking chamber 2. The tray 6 is supported by the receiving shelves 11 provided on the left and right side walls of the cooking chamber 2. A grid-like cooking net 98 formed of stainless steel wire is placed on the tray 6, and the article 7 to be heated is placed in the approximate center of the cooking net 98. Thus, the article 7 to be heated is accommodated in the cooking chamber 2 with a space from the bottom surface of the cooking chamber 2.

  The left and right side walls of the cooking chamber 2 are provided with a middle receiving shelf 12 located above the lower receiving shelf 11 and an upper receiving shelf 13 located above the middle receiving shelf 12. Similarly to the lower receiving shelf 11, the tray 6 can be supported also on the middle receiving shelf 12 and the upper receiving shelf 13. Thereby, the user can change the vertical position of the heated object 7 in the cooking chamber 2 by changing the support of the tray 6 from the lower receiving shelf 11 to the middle receiving shelf 12 or the upper receiving shelf 13.

  The steam generator 3 includes a steam generator 101 having a water reservoir 105, a water supply tank 102 into which water to be supplied to the water reservoir 105, and a water reservoir 105 that heats water accumulated in the water reservoir 105. A water heater 103 to be evaporated and a float 104 floated on water accumulated in a water reservoir 105 of the steam generator 101 are provided. The water heater 103 is a sheathed heater wound in a spiral shape. The float 104 is hollow and has a sealed structure. The water heater 103 is an example of a heating unit.

  In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the steam generator 3 also includes an attachment / detachment interlocking lever 127 (see FIG. 3) that interlocks with the attachment / detachment of the steam generation unit 101 and the water supply tank 102. The attachment / detachment interlocking lever 127 is an example of an interlocking unit.

  The water tank 102 is inserted into a water tank storage chamber 126 (see FIG. 3) provided on the side of the cooking chamber 2. Moreover, the connection part 122 has connected the water supply tank 102 and the steam generation part 101 so that attachment or detachment is possible. Further, the water supply tank 102 can be taken out of the main casing 1 from the front side.

  A drain valve 117 is attached to the bottom of the steam generating unit 101, and one end of the drain path 14 is connected to the drain valve 117. The other end of the drainage channel 14 is located on the soot receiver 9. The soup receiver 9 is detachable from the main casing 1 and can be taken out of the main casing 1 from the front side. The soup receiver 9 is an example of a drain tank. The drain valve 117 is an example of a drain part.

  Further, on one side surface of the cooking chamber 2, a circulation intake port 15 is provided between the upper receiving shelf 13 and the intermediate receiving shelf 12. And the 1st jet nozzle 16 is provided in the upper surface of the cooking chamber 2 so that the steam heater 4 may be opposed. Further, second and third jet nozzles 17 and 18 are provided on the other side surface of the cooking chamber 2. The second jet outlet 17 is located between the upper receiving shelf 13 and the intermediate receiving shelf 12. On the other hand, the third jet outlet 18 is located between the middle receiving shelf 12 and the lower receiving shelf 11. The space in the cooking chamber 2 and the space in the circulation path 8 communicate with each other through the circulation inlet 15, the first outlet 16, the second outlet 17, and the third outlet 18.

  The circulation path 8 is provided outside the cooking chamber 2. The circulation path 8 has one end connected to the circulation intake port 15 and the other end connected to the second jet port 17 and the third jet port 18. A circulation fan 19 and a steam heater 4 are installed in the circulation path 8, and the position of the steam heater 4 is located downstream of the circulation fan 19. That is, the circulation fan 19 sucks the steam in the cooking chamber 2 from the circulation inlet 15 and blows it out toward the steam heater 4. Steam heated by the steam heater 4 enters the cooking chamber 2 from the first jet port 16 on the upper surface of the cooking chamber 2 and the second and third jet ports 17 and 18 on the other side of the cooking chamber 2. It spouts toward.

  A portion of the circulation path 8 in the vicinity of the circulation inlet 15 is connected to the steam generation unit 101 via the steam discharge path 20. Thereby, the steam generated in the steam generation unit 101 flows through the steam discharge path 20 and enters the circulation path 8, joins the steam sucked from the circulation intake port 15, and flows toward the steam heater 4.

  Further, excess steam in the cooking chamber 2 flows out of the cooking chamber 2 from the first and second exhaust ports 21 and 22. One end of an exhaust path 23 is connected to the first exhaust port 21. The other end of the exhaust path 23 forms an ejector 24. The first exhaust port 21 can be opened and closed by an exhaust damper 25. On the other hand, one end of an exhaust tube 26 is connected to the second exhaust port 22. Since the other end of the exhaust tube 26 is connected to the exhaust path 23, the steam in the exhaust tube 26 merges with the steam in the exhaust path 23 and is discharged from the ejector 24 to the outside of the main casing 1. At this time, the steam traveling from the ejector 24 to the outside of the main casing 1 is diluted with the air from the dilution air path 27 and the suction duct 28 and diluted.

  The dilution air path 27 has one end inserted into the ejector 24 and the other end connected to the fan casing 29. Air is sent from the exhaust dilution fan 30 in the fan casing 29 to the ejector 24. The fan casing 29 is connected to the air supply port 32 via the air supply path 31. An air supply damper 33 is provided at the air supply port 32, and the air supply port 32 can be opened and closed by the air supply damper 33.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the cooking device.

  The control device 5 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 34, a memory unit 35, an input / output circuit, and the like. The CPU 34 retrieves and executes instructions stored in the memory unit 35, and performs operations such as binary addition, logical operation, increase / decrease, and comparison on data input from various input devices. The memory unit 35 is an example of a storage unit.

  The control device 5 includes a steam heater 4, a circulation fan 19, an exhaust damper 25, an air supply damper 33, an exhaust dilution fan 30, a liquid crystal display unit 36, a key input unit 37, a water heater 103, a water pool level sensor. 123, a buffer water level sensor 124, a water supply tank detection switch 148, and a soup receiving detection switch 149 are connected. The liquid crystal display unit 36 and the key input unit 37 are provided on one side of the door that opens and closes the opening of the cooking chamber 2. The liquid crystal display unit 36 is an example of a notification unit. The soup receiving detection switch 149 is an example of an attachment / detachment detection unit.

  The memory unit 35 stores a program for controlling the steam heater 4, the circulation fan 19, the exhaust damper 25, the air supply damper 33, the exhaust dilution fan 30, and the like. Further, the memory unit 35 can store information obtained from the water pool water level sensor 123, the buffer water level sensor 124, the water supply tank detection switch 148, the soup receiving detection switch 149, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the steam generator 3.

  The water reservoir 105 of the steam generator 101 includes a shallow part 116 where the water heater 103 is installed and a deep part 115 where the float 104 is arranged. The deep part 115 where the float 104 is arranged is formed deeper than the shallow part 116 where the water heating heat is installed. Further, a drain valve 117 for draining water from the water reservoir 105 is provided in the deep part 115 where the float 104 is disposed.

  A metal storage case 118 is disposed in the water reservoir 105 of the steam generation unit 101, and the water heater 103 is stored in the storage case 118. The housing case 118 has a side portion 119 positioned between the water heater 103 and the float housing portion 107, and a bottom portion 120 connected to the lower end portion of the side portion 119. A through hole 121 is formed in the bottom portion 120. Thereby, the water in the storage case 118 can go out of the storage case 118 from the through hole 121, or the water outside the storage case 118 can enter the storage case 118 through the through hole 121.

  The water level in the water reservoir 105 of the steam generator 101 is detected by a water reservoir sensor 123. The water reservoir level sensor 123 has three electrode rods whose lower ends are different from each other, and can detect a plurality of water levels in the water reservoir 105. Further, an output signal of the water pool water level sensor 123, that is, a signal indicating the water level of the water reservoir 105 is input to the control device 5.

  The steam generation unit 101 receives the water supplied from the water supply tank 102 through the water buffer unit 106 and the float storage unit 107. That is, the water in the water supply tank 102 sequentially flows in the water buffer unit 106 and the float storage unit 107 by its own weight, and then accumulates in the water storage unit 105 of the steam generation unit 101. The space in the water buffer unit 106 and the space in the float storage unit 107 are partitioned by a disc-shaped partition plate 108. A through hole 109 is formed in the partition plate 108, and water from the water buffer unit 106 toward the float housing unit 107 passes through the through hole 109.

  The water supply tank 102 has a water supply port 131 for supplying water to the water buffer unit 106. The water supply tank 102 is accommodated in the water supply tank storage chamber 126. A water tank detection switch 148 is provided in the water tank storage chamber 126.

  The water tank detection switch 148 detects attachment / detachment of the water tank 102 and outputs a signal indicating the attachment / detachment to the control device 5. And the memory part 35 memorize | stores the attachment or detachment state of the water supply tank 102, and the frequency | count of attachment / detachment.

  The water buffer unit 106 can receive water from the water supply tank 102 and temporarily store the water. Moreover, the water buffer part 106 has a cylindrical shape, and the upper end is sealed. Further, the water buffer unit 106 is provided with a buffer water level sensor 124 so that the control device 5 can grasp the water level of the water buffer unit 106. The buffer water level sensor 124 has three electrode rods whose lower ends are different from each other, and can detect a plurality of water levels in the water buffer unit 106.

  The float accommodation unit 107 is formed to be continuous with the lower end of the water buffer unit 106. Moreover, the shape of the float accommodating part 107 is a cylinder shape, and the lower end of the float accommodating part 107 is open | released. Moreover, the float accommodating part 107 accommodates the float 104 so that a movement is possible. In addition, a slit hole 110 is formed in the side wall of the float accommodation unit 107. Thereby, air circulates between the space in the float accommodating part 107 and the space in the steam generation part 101.

  The attachment / detachment interlocking lever 127 is swingably supported by the shaft 128, and one end thereof is in contact with the bottom of the water supply tank 102. Further, a pressing portion 129 is provided at the other end of the attachment / detachment interlocking lever 127. When one end of the attachment / detachment interlocking lever 127 is in contact with the bottom of the water supply tank 102, the pressing portion 129 has a gap with the drain valve 117. Further, the coil spring 130 urges the other end of the attachment / detachment interlocking lever 127 toward the drain valve 117.

  The water drained by the drainage part flows through the drainage path 14 toward the soot receiver 9. A discharge port 146 is provided at the downstream end of the drainage path 14. The drainage path 14 is provided with an on-off valve 150 that opens and closes the discharge port 146.

  The on-off valve 150 has a substantially disc-shaped base portion 151 and a substantially trapezoidal plate-shaped engagement portion 152 protruding downward from the base portion 151, and is swingable about a shaft 153. Yes. The engaging portion 152 engages with the edge of the soot receiver 9 as the soot receiver 9 is attached. Thereby, the base 151 is held at a position where a gap is generated between the base 151 and the bottom of the drainage path 14.

  The soup receiving detection switch 149 detects the attachment / detachment of the soot receiver 9 and outputs a signal indicating this attachment / detachment to the control device 5. The control device 5 controls the liquid crystal display unit 36 based on the signal. For example, when cooking using superheated steam is started in a state where the soup receiver 9 is not attached to the main casing 1, the control device 5 prompts the user to attach the soup receiver 9 on the display of the liquid crystal display unit 36. .

  FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water supply port 131 and the connecting portion 122.

  The water supply port 131 is opened and closed by an on-off valve 132 having a substantially T-shaped cross section. More specifically, the on-off valve 132 is attached to the water supply port 131 so as to be movable in the left-right direction in the drawing in order to open and close the opening hole 133 at the tip of the water supply port 131. Further, the end of the on-off valve 132 on the coil spring 134 side has a disk shape having a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening hole 133. The on-off valve 132 has a shaft portion inserted through the opening hole 133. The diameter of the shaft portion is set to be smaller than the diameter of the opening hole 133. Further, the coil spring 134 in the water supply port 131 urges the opening / closing valve 132 toward the connecting portion 122.

  An annular groove 135 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 122. An O-ring 136 attached to the annular groove 135 seals between the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 122 and the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port 131.

  A pressing portion 137 is provided in the connecting portion 122. The pressing portion 137 includes a base portion 138 that is continuous with the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 122, and a projection portion 139 that protrudes from the base portion 138 toward the water supply port 131. A communication hole 140 is formed in the base portion 138. Further, the protrusion 139 contacts the end of the opening / closing valve 132 on the side of the connecting portion 122 to open the opening hole 133.

  Since the water supply port 131 is inserted into the connecting portion 122 and is in the state shown in FIG. 3, the water in the water supply port 131 passes through the opening hole 133 and the communication hole 140 as indicated by arrows in the drawing. The water can flow toward the water buffer unit 106.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of the section of the partition plate 108 and its periphery.

  The float 104 includes a substantially cylindrical main body 125, a shoulder 111 formed on the upper portion of the main body 125 (the end on the partition plate 108 side), and a substantially hemispherical shape formed so as to be adjacent to the shoulder 111. And a head 112. When the float 104 tilts, the shoulder 111 comes into contact with the surface of the partition plate 108 on the float 104 side. Further, when the head portion 112 abuts against the wall surface of the through hole 109 of the partition plate 108, the through hole 109 is closed and water in the water buffer unit 106 cannot flow into the float housing unit 107. That is, inflow of water from the water buffer unit 106 to the float storage unit 107 is prohibited. At this time, since the wall surface of the through hole 109 is a substantially conical surface, the head portion 112 is in line contact with the wall surface of the through hole 109.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the float housing part 107 as viewed from below.

  Four ribs 113 are formed on the inner wall surface of the float accommodating portion 107 at a phase interval of 90 °. The four ribs 113 can prevent the float 104 from tilting greatly. In addition, illustration of the rib 113 is abbreviate | omitted in other drawings, such as FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drain valve 117 and its vicinity.

  The drain valve 117 is attached to a substantially cylindrical drain port 141 movably in the left-right direction in the figure, and opens and closes an opening hole 142 of the drain port 141. The drain valve 117 includes a shaft portion 143 around which the coil spring 147 is wound, a substantially disc-shaped closing portion 144 connected to one end of the shaft portion 143, and a substantially disc-shaped connection connected to the other end of the shaft portion 143. And a retaining portion 145.

  The closing portion 144 has substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the drain port 141. Further, the coil spring 147 urges the closing portion 144 to press against the drain port 141. As a result, the closing portion 144 is in close contact with the peripheral edge portion of the opening hole 142, so that water can be prevented from leaking from the opening hole 142.

  The diameter of the retaining portion 145 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the drain port 141 and larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 143. Thereby, the retaining portion 145 can move in the drain port 141, and the coil spring 147 can be prevented from coming off from the shaft portion 143.

  According to the steam generator 3 having the above-described configuration, the water heater 103 heats and evaporates the water in the water reservoir 105 so that steam is generated in the steam generator 101. The water heater 103 continues to be heated, and the water level in the water reservoir 105 is lowered. Along with this, the float 104 moves downward, and the head portion 112 of the float 104 is separated from the wall surface of the through hole 109 of the partition plate 108. Then, the water in the water buffer unit 106 flows through the through hole 109 of the partition plate 108 and falls into the float accommodating unit 107, and the water reservoir 105 is replenished with water.

  When the water level of the water reservoir 105 rises due to the replenishment of water to the water reservoir 105, the head 112 of the float 104 again comes into contact with the wall surface of the through hole 109 of the partition plate 108. Thereby, the through-hole 109 is closed and the water supply to the water reservoir 105 is stopped.

  If the water in the water supply tank 102 is reduced by replenishing the water reservoir 105, the user can take out the water supply tank 102 from the water supply tank storage chamber 126 and supply water to the water supply tank 102.

  When the water supply tank 102 is taken out from the water supply tank storage chamber 126, the attachment / detachment interlocking lever 127 swings around the shaft 128 by the urging force of the coil spring 130 as shown in FIG. And the press part 129 presses the drain valve 117, the drain valve 117 moves inside, and the closing part 144 of the drain valve 117 is separated from the peripheral part of the opening hole 142 as shown in FIG. As a result, the water accumulated in the water reservoir 105 flows out of the water reservoir 105 through the opening hole 142 as indicated by an arrow in the figure.

  Therefore, the scale deposited in the water reservoir 105 is discharged out of the water reservoir 105 together with water, so that the scale can be prevented from sticking to the water reservoir 105. As a result, the number of cleanings to remove the scale from the water reservoir 105 is reduced, and the cleaning effort can be reduced.

  As shown by the long arrows in FIG. 8, the scale flows along the drainage path 14 together with water, and flows down from the discharge port 146 of the drainage path 14 to the soot receiver 9. Therefore, the user can take out the soot receiver 9 from the main body casing 1, discard the scale, and keep the inside of the main body casing 1 hygienic.

  The mechanism for discharging the scale is not an electrical mechanism as in the second conventional example, but is a mechanical mechanism including an attachment / detachment interlocking lever 127 and a drain valve 117. Therefore, the mechanism for discharging the scale is not complicated.

  When the water supply tank 102 is taken out from the water supply tank storage chamber 126 and the water supply port 131 is separated from the connecting portion 122 as shown in FIG. 10, the opening / closing valve 132 is moved to the front end side of the supply port 134 by the urging force of the coil spring 134. To do. At this time, the end of the on-off valve 132 on the coil spring 134 side is in close contact with the peripheral edge of the opening hole 133. Therefore, even if water remains in the water supply tank 102, it is possible to prevent the water supply port 131 from leaking out. As a result, the user does not need to worry about the remaining water in the water supply tank 102 when taking out the water supply tank 102, so that the usability can be improved.

  When the soot receiver 9 is taken out from the main body casing 1, the engagement of the engaging portion 152 with respect to the soot receiver 9 is released. As a result, the on-off valve 150 swings by its own weight about the shaft 153, and the base 151 of the on-off valve 150 comes into close contact with the peripheral edge of the discharge port 146 as shown in FIG. As a result, since the discharge port 146 is closed, even if water remains in the drainage path 14, the water can be prevented from leaking from the discharge port 146.

  Hereinafter, the notification performed by the cooking device will be described.

  When the user inserts the water supply tank 102 containing a predetermined amount of water into the water supply tank storage chamber 126, the processing by the control device 5 starts as shown in FIG. 12, and a menu for using water is set in step S101. It is determined whether or not it has been done. This step S101 is repeated until it is determined that the menu using water is set. And when it determines with the menu which uses water being set by step S101, it progresses to step S102. In addition, the menu using the said water means the menu cooked with steam.

  Next, in step S102, it is determined whether or not an appropriate amount of water is supplied. This step S102 is repeated until it is determined that an appropriate amount of water is supplied. If it is determined in step S102 that an appropriate amount of water is supplied, the process proceeds to step S103.

  The determination in step S <b> 102 is performed based on the outputs of the water level sensor 123 and the buffer water level sensor 124. More specifically, even if it is determined that the water level of the water reservoir 105 is sufficient based on the above output, if the water level of the water buffer 106 is insufficient, the process does not proceed to step S103, and the supply to the water supply tank 102 is performed. A display prompting the user to replenish water is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 36. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where water in the water reservoir 105 is lost during cooking and steam cannot be supplied to the circulation path 8. Note that whether or not the water level in the water reservoir 105 is sufficient is determined based on a preset reference value.

  Next, in step S103, it is determined whether heating has been started. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the start button included in the key input unit 37 has been pressed. This step S103 is repeated until it is determined that the start button has been pressed. If it is determined in step S103 that the start button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S104.

  Next, in step S <b> 104, based on the output of the soot receiving detection switch 149, it is determined whether or not the soot receiving 9 is set below the discharge port 146 of the drainage path 14. If it is determined in step S104 that the soup receiver 9 is set below the discharge port 146 of the drainage passage 14, the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the soup receiver 9 is not set under the discharge port 146 of the drainage path 14, the process proceeds to step S121 in FIG.

  When the process proceeds to step S121, the liquid crystal display unit 36 is caused to display an error message “Please set the sauce”. After that, in step S122, the set determination of the saucer 9 is performed in the same manner as in step S104. This step S122 is repeated until it is determined that the soup receiver 9 has been set. If it is determined in step S122 that the soup receiver 9 has been set, the error display on the liquid crystal display unit 36 is erased in step S123, and the process proceeds to step S105 in FIG.

  Next, in step S105, it is determined whether or not the soup receiver 9 has been removed from the main casing 1 after the end of the previous cooking. This determination is made based on the soup receiving / attaching information recorded in the memory unit 35. If it is determined in step S122 that the soup receiver 9 has been removed after the end of the previous cooking, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S122 that the soup receiver 9 has not been removed after the end of the previous heat cooking, the process proceeds to step S131 in FIG.

  When the process proceeds to step S131, it is determined whether n indicating the number of times the soup receiver 9 has not been taken out exceeds a preset number α. If it is determined in step S131 that n does not exceed α, n = n + 1 is set in step S132, and the process proceeds to step S107 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S131 that n exceeds α, in step S133, the liquid crystal display unit 36 is caused to display an error message “Please discard the water in the soup”. In step S134, based on the output of the soot receiving detection switch 149, it is determined whether or not the soot receiving 9 has been attached or detached. That is, in step S134, it is determined whether or not the soup receptacle 9 has been reset after the soup receptacle 9 has been taken out. This step S134 is repeated until it is determined that the soup receiver 9 has been attached or detached. If it is determined in step S134 that the soup receiver 9 has been attached or detached, the error display on the liquid crystal display unit 36 is erased in step S135, and the process proceeds to step S106 in FIG.

  Next, after resetting n to 0 in step S106, it is determined in step S107 whether or not the heating is completed. This step S107 is repeated until it is determined that the heating is finished. And when it determines with heating having been complete | finished by step S107, it progresses to step S108. Note that whether or not the heating has been completed is determined by whether or not the time previously associated with the menu set in step S101 has elapsed.

  Finally, in step S108, a message “Please drain the water after removing the water supply tank” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 36, and the process ends. After this process is completed, when the soot receiver 9 is not attached / detached, the control device 5 rewrites the soot receiver attaching / detaching information of the memory unit 35, whereas when the attach / receiver 9 is attached / detached, the control device 5 Rewrite the soaking / removing information of the memory unit 35.

  In this way, the error display in step S133 allows the user to know that there is a danger of water overflowing from the soot receiver 9 without visually checking the water level in the soot receiver 9, so that it is easy to use. It is.

  In the first embodiment, when it is determined in step S131 that n exceeds α, an error is displayed in step S133, and the control device 5 prevents the water heater 103 from heating water. The water heater 103 may be controlled.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 15: is a schematic block diagram of the heating cooker of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 15, the same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the components of FIG.

  The heating cooker differs from the first embodiment only in that it includes a steam generator 203.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the steam generator 203. In FIG. 16, the same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the components of FIG.

  The steam generator 203 is different from the first embodiment in that it includes an electromagnetic valve 200 that opens and closes the through hole 109 of the partition plate 108. The steam generator 203 includes the on-off valve 132 and the pressing portion 137 shown in FIG. 4, but does not include the float housing portion 107.

  The solenoid valve 200 is attached to the valve body 201, a shaft 202 having one end connected to the valve body 201 and movable in the vertical direction, and the other end of the shaft 202, and driving the shaft 202 in the vertical direction. And a solenoid type driving unit 203 that is connected to the control device 5. A seal member 204 is fixed to the peripheral edge of the surface of the valve body 201 on the side of the partition plate 108 over the entire circumference.

  The control device 5 controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 200 based on the outputs of the water level sensor 123, the buffer water level sensor 124, the water tank detection switch 148, and the like. Specifically, if the water level of the water reservoir 105 is less than a preset value, the control device 5 moves the shaft 202 downward by the solenoid-type drive unit 203 to separate the seal member 204 from the partition plate 108. Let On the other hand, if the water level of the water reservoir 105 is equal to or greater than a preset value, the control device 5 moves the shaft 202 upward by the solenoid type driving unit 203 to bring the seal member 204 into close contact with the partition plate 108.

  Hereinafter, the notification performed by the cooking device will be described. In this description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are given the same names and reference numerals as the components of the first embodiment.

  When the user inserts the water supply tank 102 containing a predetermined amount of water into the water supply tank storage chamber 126, the processing by the control device 5 starts as shown in FIG. 17, and a menu for using water is set in step S201. It is determined whether or not it has been done. This step S201 is repeated until it is determined that the menu using water is set. And when it determines with the menu which uses water being set by step S201, it progresses to step S203. In addition, the menu using the said water means the menu cooked with steam.

  Next, in step S <b> 202, the electromagnetic valve 200 is opened, and the water in the water supply tank 102 is put into the water reservoir 105.

  Next, in step S203, it is determined whether or not an appropriate amount of water is supplied. This step S203 is repeated until it is determined that an appropriate amount of water is supplied. If it is determined in step S203 that an appropriate amount of water is supplied, the process proceeds to step S205.

  The determination in step S <b> 203 is made based on the outputs of the water level sensor 123 and the buffer water level sensor 124. More specifically, even if it is determined that the water level of the water reservoir 105 is sufficient based on the above output, if the water level of the water buffer 106 is insufficient, the process does not proceed to step S205, and A display prompting the user to replenish water is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 36. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where water in the water reservoir 105 is lost during cooking and steam cannot be supplied to the circulation path 8. Note that whether or not the water level in the water reservoir 105 is sufficient is determined based on a preset reference value.

  Next, in step S204, the electromagnetic valve 200 is closed and water supply to the water reservoir 105 is stopped.

  Next, in step S205, it is determined whether heating has been started. That is, in step S205, it is determined whether or not the start button included in the key input unit 37 has been pressed. This step S205 is repeated until it is determined that the start button has been pressed. If it is determined in step S205 that the start button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S206.

  Next, in step S206, based on the output of the soot receiving detection switch 149, it is determined whether or not the soot receiving 9 is set under the discharge port 146 of the drainage passage 14. If it is determined in step S206 that the soup receiver 9 is set under the discharge port 146 of the drainage path 14, the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the soup receiver 9 is not set under the discharge port 146 of the drainage passage 14, the process proceeds to step S221 in FIG.

  When the process proceeds to step S221, the liquid crystal display unit 36 is caused to display an error message “Please set the soup”. After that, in step S222, the set determination of the soup receiver 9 is performed in the same manner as in step S206. This step S222 is repeated until it is determined that the soup receiver 9 has been set. If it is determined in step S222 that the soup receiver 9 has been set, the error display on the liquid crystal display unit 36 is erased in step S223, and the process proceeds to step S207 in FIG.

  Next, in step S207, it is determined whether or not the soup receiver 9 has been removed from the main casing 1 after the end of the previous cooking. This determination is made based on the soup receiving / attaching information recorded in the memory unit 35. If it is determined in step S222 that the soup receiver 9 has been removed after the end of the previous cooking, the process proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S222 that the soup receiver 9 has not been removed after the end of the previous heat cooking, the process proceeds to step S231 in FIG.

  In step S231, it is determined whether n indicating the number of times the soup receiver 9 has not been taken out exceeds a preset number α. If it is determined in step S231 that n does not exceed α, n is set to n + 1 in step S232, and the process proceeds to step S209 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S231 that n exceeds α, in step S233, the liquid crystal display unit 36 is caused to display an error message “please throw away water from the soup”. Then, in step S234, based on the output of the soot receiving detection switch 149, it is determined whether or not the soot receiving 9 has been attached or detached. That is, in step S234, it is determined whether or not the soup receiver 9 has been reset after the soup receiver 9 has been taken out. This step S234 is repeated until it is determined that the soup receiver 9 has been attached or detached. If it is determined in step S234 that the soup receiver 9 has been attached or detached, the error display on the liquid crystal display unit 36 is erased in step S235, and the process proceeds to step S208 in FIG.

  Next, after resetting n to 0 in step S208, water amount control is performed in step S209. In step S209, the control device 5 adjusts the water level of the water reservoir 105 by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 200 based on the outputs of the water reservoir water level sensor 123 and the buffer water level sensor 124.

  Next, in step S210, it is determined whether or not the heating is finished. This step S210 is repeated until it is determined that the heating is finished. And when it determines with heating having been complete | finished by step S210, it progresses to step S211. Whether or not the heating has been completed is determined based on whether or not the time previously associated with the menu set in step S201 has elapsed.

  Finally, in step S211, a message “please discard the water after removing the water supply tank” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 36, and the process ends. After this process is completed, when the soot receiver 9 is not attached / detached, the control device 5 rewrites the soot receiver attaching / detaching information of the memory unit 35, whereas when the attach / receiver 9 is attached / detached, the control device 5 Rewrite the soaking / removing information of the memory unit 35.

  In this way, the error display in step S233 allows the user to know that there is a risk of water overflowing from the soot receiver 9 without visually checking the water level in the soot receiver 9, so that it is easy to use. It is.

  In the second embodiment, when it is determined in step S231 that n exceeds α, an error is displayed in step S233, and the control device 5 prevents the water heater 103 from heating water. The water heater 103 may be controlled.

  In the first and second embodiments, the drain valve 117 is operated by the attachment / detachment interlock lever 127. However, for example, it may be performed by a mechanical mechanism configured by combining a plurality of links.

  In the said 1st, 2nd embodiment, although the alert | report which prompts a user to discard the water of the soup receptacle 9 was performed by the error display of the liquid crystal display part 36, you may perform the alert | report with a speaker or a buzzer, for example. That is, the notification may be performed by a machine voice or an alarm sound.

  In the first and second embodiments, a magnetron 92 that generates a microwave, a waveguide that guides the microwave from the magnetron to the cooking chamber 2, and the waveguide are provided below the cooking chamber 2. A rotating antenna that stirs the microwaves may be arranged. The microwave generated from the magnetron is irradiated to the object 7 to be heated in the cooking chamber 2 through the waveguide and the rotating antenna. Further, the microwave is stirred by the rotating antenna and applied to the object 7 to be heated. The rotating antenna is driven by rotation driving means. In the case of such a configuration, cooking using this microwave can be performed in cooking without using steam.

  In the first and second embodiments, the water accumulated in the water reservoir 105 is directly heated by the water heater 103. However, the water accumulated in the water reservoir 105 is heated by the heater via the water reservoir. Also good. That is, the water reservoir 105 may be heated by a heater installed outside the water reservoir 105 to evaporate the water accumulated in the water reservoir 105.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heating cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the heating cooker according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the steam generator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the supply port and the connecting portion of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom view of the float housing part of the steam generator of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drain valve and its vicinity in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the drainage of the water reservoir of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the drain valve when the first embodiment is opened. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the on-off valve when the first embodiment is closed. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining attachment / detachment of the soot receiver according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the notification process of the heating cooker according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the notification process of the heating cooker according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the notification process of the heating cooker according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15: is a schematic block diagram of the heating cooker of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the steam generator of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the notification process of the heating cooker according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the notification process of the cooking device of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the notification process of the heating cooker according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

3, 203 ... Steam generating device 5 ... Control device 35 ... Memory unit 36 ... Liquid crystal display unit 101 ... Steam generating unit 102 ... Water supply tank 103 ... Water heater 105 ... Water reservoir 117 ... Drain valve 122 ... Connection unit 127 ... Detachment interlocking Lever 137 ... pressing portion 146 ... discharge port 149 ... soaking detection switch

Claims (4)

A steam generator having a water reservoir and a drainage for draining the water accumulated in the water reservoir,
A water supply tank for containing water to be supplied to the water reservoir of the steam generation unit;
A heating unit for heating and evaporating the water accumulated in the water reservoir,
A connecting part for detachably connecting the steam generating part and the water supply tank;
An interlocking portion that interlocks with the attachment and detachment of the steam generation portion and the water supply tank;
A detachable drainage tank for receiving water drained by the drainage part of the steam generating part;
An attachment / detachment detector for detecting attachment / detachment of the drainage tank;
A storage unit for storing the number of times the drainage tank is not removed after generating steam by heating the heating unit;
A notification unit for notifying the user of the information on the drainage tank,
The interlocking unit is configured so that when the steam generation unit and the water supply tank are connected, the water accumulated in the water storage unit is not drained, and the connection between the steam generation unit and the water supply tank is released. Operating the drainage part so that the water collected in the water reservoir part is drained,
The said alerting | reporting part performs the alerting | reporting which prompts the user to discard the water in the said wastewater tank, when the said frequency | count memorize | stored in the said memory | storage part turns into a preset frequency | count, The steam generator characterized by the above-mentioned. The steam generator according to claim 1,
A steam generator, comprising: a control unit that performs control so that the heating unit does not heat water when the number of times stored in the storage unit reaches a preset number of times. The steam generator according to claim 1 or 2,
A drainage path having a discharge port for guiding water drained by the drainage part of the steam generation part to the drainage tank and discharging the water toward the drainage tank;
An open / close valve provided in the drainage path and opening and closing the discharge port;
The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the on-off valve opens the discharge port according to the attachment of the drainage tank, and closes the discharge port according to the removal of the drainage tank.   A heating cooker comprising the steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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