JP4423126B2 - Steam cooker - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam cooker.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a steam cooker provided with a steam generator that generates steam for heating an object to be heated (see, for example, JP-A-7-243649 (Patent Document 1)). After cooking, this heating cooker cleans the inside of a steam generator by supplying cooling water into the steam generator and cooling it, and then draining water that has become hot water in the steam generator. However, the steam cooker has a problem in that limited water resources cannot be used effectively because water for cleaning the inside of the steam generator is supplied from the tank. In particular, when the tank capacity cannot be increased, the water used for steam heating is quickly lost, and the problem is serious.

Therefore, a steam cooker that drains the water in the steam generator without washing with water in order to effectively use the water resources in the tank can be considered, but due to the concentration accompanying steam generation in the steam generator. Since the impurity concentration of water in the steam generating device is high, there is a problem that when draining, impurities (such as calcium contained in water) are solidified due to high temperature and scale is easily generated in the steam generating device. This scale grows and grows every time steam generation and drainage are repeated, hindering steam generation. In addition, this steam cooker is demonstrated in order to make this invention easy to understand, and is not a well-known technique and is not a prior art.
JP 7-243649 A

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a steam cooker that can reduce the scale generated in the steam generator with a simple configuration without washing with water.

In order to achieve the above object, a steam cooker according to the present invention comprises a steam generator for generating steam for heating an object to be heated, a drain means for draining water in the steam generator, and heating with steam. When the water temperature in the steam generator becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature after the completion, or when the predetermined time has elapsed after the heating by the steam is finished, the user is allowed to drain the water in the steam generator. The notification means for informing the user, and when the notification means notifies the user to drain the water in the steam generator, the use is entrusted to determine whether to drain the water in the steam generator. And a drainage selection means for selecting whether or not to drain the water in the steam generator .

  According to the steam cooker having the above-described configuration, when the water temperature in the steam generator becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature after the heating by steam is completed, the notification means is used to notify the user to drain the water in the steam generator. Inform. When it is determined by the notification from the notification means that the user is necessary, the water in the steam generator is drained by the drainage means. When the water in the steam generator is drained, the water temperature in the steam generator is below the predetermined temperature, so it is generated in the steam generator by setting the predetermined temperature to a temperature at which scale generation can be suppressed. To reduce the scale. In addition, when the notification means is used to notify the user to drain the water in the steam generator after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating by the steam is completed, the water temperature in the steam generator does not generate scale. By setting the predetermined time so as to be sufficiently low, the scale generated in the steam generator can be reduced. In this way, the user is prompted to drain water when either the condition that the water temperature in the steam generator is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature or the condition that the predetermined time has elapsed after the heating is completed is satisfied. Therefore, the water in the steam generator can be drained under conditions where scale does not occur. Therefore, the scale generated in the steam generator can be surely reduced with a simple configuration without washing with water.

  In addition, when the notification means notifies the user to drain the water in the steam generator, the user selects whether to drain the water in the steam generator by the drainage selection means as necessary. To do. For example, when cooking is finished and not used for a while, drainage is selected by the drainage selection means, and the water in the steam generator is drained by the drainage means. Further, when cooking is continued, since draining increases the amount of water consumed and requires time, the drainage selecting means selects not to drain. Therefore, when the notification means informs the user to drain the water in the steam generator, the user can select whether or not to drain as necessary, and the usability according to the use situation can be improved. .

  Moreover, the steam cooker of one embodiment is configured so that the power supply to the steam cooker body when the predetermined power shut-off condition is satisfied, and the notification means drains the water in the steam generator. A control device for determining that the predetermined power-off condition is satisfied when the second predetermined time has elapsed since the notification to the user and shutting off the power supply to the steam cooker body by the shut-off means. It is characterized by having. Here, the “steam cooker body” is a power consuming unit excluding all of the power supplied in the steam cooker or a part that satisfies the power saving requirement.

  According to the steam cooker of the above embodiment, when the second predetermined time has elapsed after the notification means notifies the user to drain the water in the steam generator, the predetermined power shut-off condition is set. The control device determines that it is satisfied, and shuts off the power supply to the steam cooker body by the shut-off means. When waiting for the selection of whether or not to drain the water in the steam generator after notification by the notification means, it is possible not to shut off the power source, and after the second predetermined time has elapsed, to the steam cooker body The standby power can be reliably reduced by cutting off the power supply.

  The steam cooker according to an embodiment includes a shut-off unit that shuts off power supply to the steam cooker body when a predetermined power shut-off condition is satisfied, and the user selects drainage by the drainage selection unit and When the third predetermined time has elapsed since the water in the steam generator was drained by the draining means, it is determined that the predetermined power-off condition has been satisfied, and the power supply to the steam cooker body is cut off. And a control device that shuts off the device.

  According to the steam cooker of the above embodiment, after the notification means notifies the user to drain the water in the steam generator, the user selects drainage by the drainage selection means and generates steam by the drainage means. When the third predetermined time has elapsed since the water in the apparatus has been drained, the control device determines that the predetermined power-off condition has been satisfied, and the power supply to the steam cooker body is shut off by the shut-off means. During drainage by the drainage means after the notification by the notification means, the power supply voltage can be prevented from being cut off, and after the third predetermined time has elapsed, the power supply to the steam cooker body is cut off to ensure standby power. Can be reduced.

  Moreover, the steam cooker of one embodiment is configured so that the power supply to the steam cooker body when the predetermined power shut-off condition is satisfied, and the notification means drains the water in the steam generator. When the second predetermined time has passed since the user was notified, or the user has selected drainage by the drainage selection means and drained the water in the steam generator by the drainage means. And a control device that, when a third predetermined time has elapsed, determines that the predetermined power-off condition is satisfied, and shuts off the power supply to the steam cooker body by the shut-off means.

  According to the steam cooker of the above embodiment, when the second predetermined time has elapsed after the notification means notifies the user to drain the water in the steam generator, the predetermined power shut-off condition is set. The control device determines that it is satisfied, and shuts off the power supply to the steam cooker body by the shut-off means. When waiting for the selection of whether or not to drain the water in the steam generator after notification by the notification means, it is possible not to shut off the power source, and after the second predetermined time has elapsed, to the steam cooker body The standby power can be reliably reduced by cutting off the power supply.

  Alternatively, after the notification means informs the user to drain the water in the steam generator, the user selects drainage by the drainage selection means and drains the water in the steam generator by the drainage means. When the third predetermined time has elapsed, the control device determines that the predetermined power-off condition is satisfied, and the power supply to the steam cooker body is cut off by the cut-off means. During drainage by the drainage means after the notification by the notification means, the power supply voltage can be prevented from being cut off, and after the third predetermined time has elapsed, the power supply to the steam cooker body is cut off to ensure standby power. Can be reduced.

  As is clear from the above, according to the steam cooker of the present invention, it is possible to realize a steam cooker capable of reducing the scale generated in the steam generator with a simple configuration without washing with water. .

  Hereinafter, the steam cooker of this invention is demonstrated in detail by embodiment of illustration.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a steam cooker 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a door 12 is provided on the front surface of a rectangular parallelepiped main body casing 10 so as to rotate 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 in the approximate center of the door 12.

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

  Further, a stainless steel receiving tray 21 is placed on the bottom surface of the heating chamber 20, and a stainless steel wire rack 24 for placing an object to be heated is placed on the receiving tray 21. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular side-surface steam outlet 22 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 2) is provided on both side surfaces of the heating chamber 20. 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.

  On the left side of the heating chamber 20 of the main body casing 10, a water tank storage unit 100 for storing the water tank 30 is provided. On the other hand, on the right side of the heating chamber 20 of the main body casing 10, a protrusion 101 having a substantially rectangular region protruding on the front surface is provided, and a plurality of air outlets 102 are provided on the heating chamber 20 side and above the protrusion 101.

  Further, in the state where the door 12 is closed, a recess 103 into which the projection 101 of the main body casing 10 is fitted is provided in the door 12, and a plurality of examples of air inlets are provided on the side wall of the recess 103 on the window 14 side. The cooling slit 104 is provided at a position facing the plurality of air blowing ports 102 of the protrusion 101 of the main body casing 10. The window 14 is composed of two heat-resistant glasses sandwiching a space, and a packing 105 is attached to the side of the door 12 facing the main body casing 10 and the outer edge of the window 14.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a basic configuration of the steam cooker 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the steam cooker 1 includes a heating chamber 20, a water tank 30 for storing steam water, a steam generator 40 for evaporating water supplied from the water tank 30, and the steam. A steam temperature raising device 50 for heating steam from the generator 40 and a control device 80 for controlling the steam generator 40, the steam temperature raising device 50, and the like are provided.

  A grid-like rack 24 is placed on a tray 21 placed in the heating chamber 20, and an object to be heated 90 is placed in the approximate center of the rack 24.

  In addition, a connecting portion 30 a provided on the lower side of the water tank 30 is connected to a funnel-shaped receiving port 31 a provided at one end of the first water supply pipe 31. The steam cooker 1 includes a tank attachment detection switch SW3 that detects that the water tank 30 is attached to the water tank storage unit 100 (shown in FIG. 2).

  The suction side of the pump 35 is connected to the other end of the second water supply pipe 32 that branches from the first water supply pipe 31 and extends upward, and one end of the third water supply pipe 33 is connected to the discharge side of the pump 35. . Further, a water tank water level sensor 36 is disposed at the upper end of a water level sensor pipe 38 that branches off from the first water supply pipe 31 and extends upward. Furthermore, the upper end of the air release pipe 37 branched from the first water supply pipe 31 and extending upward is connected to an exhaust duct 65 described later.

  The third water supply pipe 33 has an L shape that is bent substantially horizontally from a vertically arranged portion, and an auxiliary tank 39 is connected to the other end of the third water supply pipe 33. One end of the fourth water supply pipe 34 is connected to the lower end of the auxiliary tank 39, and the other end of the fourth water supply pipe 34 is connected to the lower end of the steam generator 40. Moreover, the end of the drain valve 70 as an example of a drainage means is connected to the lower end to which the 4th water supply pipe 34 of the steam generator 40 was connected. One end of the drain pipe 71 is connected to the other end of the drain valve 70, and the internal drain port 29 is connected to the other end of the drain pipe 71. The drain pipe 71 is connected to the drain outlet 29 in a state protruding 2 mm or more into the heating chamber 20. Further, the upper end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the lowermost part of the fan casing 26, and the lower end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the drain pipe 71. Note that the upper portion of the auxiliary tank 39 communicates with the atmosphere via the air release pipe 37 and the exhaust duct 65.

  When the water tank 30 is connected, the tank attachment detection switch SW3 is turned on, and the water in the water tank 30 rises into the atmosphere opening pipe 37 until the water level becomes the same as that of the water tank 30. Since the water level sensor pipe 38 connected to the water tank water level sensor 36 is sealed at the tip, the water level does not rise, but the pressure in the sealed space of the water level sensor pipe 38 depends on the water level of the water tank 30. Rise from atmospheric pressure. By detecting this pressure change by a pressure detection element (not shown) in the water tank water level sensor 36, the water level in the water tank 30 is detected. In the measurement of the water level when the pump 35 is stationary, the pipe 37 for opening to the atmosphere is unnecessary, but in order to prevent the suction pressure of the pump 35 from acting directly on the pressure detection element and reducing the accuracy of water level detection of the water tank 30. An open air pipe 37 having an open end is used.

  The steam generator 40 includes a pot 41 having the lower end connected to the other end of the fourth water supply pipe 34, a heater portion 42 disposed in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the pot 41, and a heater in the pot 41. A water level sensor 43 disposed near the upper side of the portion 42, a steam suction ejector 44 mounted on the upper side of the pot 41, and a water temperature sensor 48 disposed in the pot 41 are provided. And the fan casing 26 is arrange | positioned on the outer side of the suction inlet 25 provided in the side surface upper part of the heating chamber 20. As shown in FIG. Steam in the heating chamber 20 is sucked from the suction port 25 by the blower fan 28 disposed in the fan casing 26. The sucked steam is sent to the inlet side of the steam suction ejector 44 of the steam generator 40 through the first pipe 61. The first pipe 61 has one end connected to the fan casing 26 and the other end connected to the inlet side of the inner nozzle 45 of the vapor suction ejector 44.

  The vapor suction ejector 44 includes an outer nozzle 46 that wraps the outside of the inner nozzle 45, and the discharge side of the inner nozzle 45 communicates with the internal space of the pot 41. The discharge side of the outer nozzle 46 of the vapor suction ejector 44 is connected to one end of the second pipe 63, and the vapor temperature raising device 50 is connected to the other end of the second pipe 63.

  The fan casing 26, the first pipe 61, the steam suction ejector 44, the second pipe 63, and the steam temperature raising device 50 form a circulation path 60. One end of the discharge passage 64 is connected to the discharge port 27 provided on the lower side of the side surface of the heating chamber 20, and the other end of the discharge passage 64 is connected to one end of the exhaust duct 65. An exhaust port 66 is provided at the other end of the exhaust duct 65. A radiator 69 is externally fitted on the exhaust duct 65 side of the discharge passage 64. A connection portion with the first pipe 61 that forms the circulation path 60 is connected to the exhaust duct 65 via the exhaust passage 67. A damper 68 that opens and closes the exhaust passage 67 is arranged on the connection side of the exhaust passage 67 with the first pipe 61.

  In addition, the steam temperature raising device 50 includes a dish-shaped case 51 disposed on the ceiling side and substantially in the center of the heating chamber 20 with the opening facing down, and a first steam heating disposed in the dish-shaped case 51. A heater 52 and a second steam heater 53 disposed in the dish-shaped case 51 are provided. 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. The ceiling panel 54 is finished in a dark color on the upper and lower surfaces by painting or the like. Note that the ceiling panel 54 may be formed of a metal material that changes to a dark color by repeated use or a dark-colored ceramic molded product.

  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 the left and right sides of the heating chamber 20. The other end of the steam supply passage 23 extends downward along both side surfaces of the heating chamber 20 and is connected to side surface steam outlets 22 provided on both side surfaces and the lower side of the heating chamber 20.

  FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the control device 80 of the steam cooker 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 80 includes a blower fan 28, a first steam heater 52, a second steam heater 53, a damper 68, a drain valve 70, and a first steam generator heater 42A. A second steam generation heater 42B, a display unit 11A as an example of a notification unit, a key input unit 11B as an example of a drainage selection unit, a water tank water level sensor 36, a water level sensor 43, and a water temperature sensor 48. A chamber temperature sensor 81 for detecting the temperature in the heating chamber 20 (shown in FIG. 3), a humidity sensor (not shown) for detecting the humidity in the heating chamber 20, and the pump 35 are connected. The display unit 11A and the key input unit 11B constitute an operation panel 11 (shown in FIG. 1). Further, the control device 80 is connected to a door opening / closing detection switch SW2 and a tank mounting detection switch SW3. The door opening / closing detection switch SW2 is turned on when the door 12 is open and turned off when the door 12 is closed. The tank attachment detection switch SW3 is turned on when the tank 30 shown in FIG. 2 is attached to the water tank storage unit 100, and turned off when the tank 30 is not attached.

  The control device 80 includes a microcomputer, an input / output circuit, and the like. Based on the detection signal from SW3, blower fan 28, first steam heater 52, second steam heater 53, damper 68, drain valve 70, first steam generator heater 42A, second steam generator heater 42B, display unit 11A, the key input unit 11B and the pump 35 are controlled according to a predetermined program.

  As shown in FIG. 4, one output terminal L <b> 1 of the outlet 110 to which a commercial AC power supply (not shown) is connected is connected to one power input terminal of the control device 80. The other output terminal L2 of the outlet 110 is connected to the common terminal C of the door interlock switch SW1, and one terminal A of the door interlock switch SW1 is connected to one end of the heating relay RY1 (in FIG. 4, the door 12 is connected). Closed). One end of each of the first steam generating heater 42A, the second steam generating heater 42B, the first steam heating heater 52, and the second steam heating heater 53 is connected to the other end of the relay RY1. The other end of the first steam generating heater 42A is connected to one end of the relay RY3, and the other end of the second steam generating heater 42B is connected to one end of the relay RY4. The other end of the first steam heater 52 is connected to one end of the relay RY5, and the other end of the second steam heater 53 is connected to one end of the relay RY6. The other ends of the relays RY3 to RY6 are connected to one output terminal L1 of the outlet 110. Further, the water level sensor 43 is a self-heating thermistor, and the on / off of energization is controlled by a relay RY7.

  Further, the other output terminal L2 of the outlet 110 is connected to one end of a self-holding relay RY2 as an example of a blocking means, and the other end of the self-holding relay RY2 is connected to the other power input terminal of the control device 80. Further, the other terminal B of the door interlock switch SW <b> 1 is connected to the other power input terminal of the control device 80. The self-holding relay RY <b> 2 is on / off controlled by a control signal from the control device 80.

  The control device 80 has a first timer 80a for waiting for cooling, a second timer 80b for shutting off the power after displaying the drainage, and a third timer 80c for shutting off the power after the heating is finished. is doing.

  In the steam cooker 1 having the above configuration, when the door 12 is opened, the door interlock switch SW1 is switched to the terminal B side, and an AC voltage is applied to the power input terminal of the control device 80 to supply power. Then, the control device 80 supplied with power turns on the self-holding relay RY <b> 2, thereby supplying power to the control device 80 regardless of the open / closed state of the door 12. When there is no key operation for a predetermined time with the door 12 closed, the control device 80 turns off the self-holding relay RY2, cuts off the power supply, and sets the standby power to zero.

  Next, the cooking operation is started by operating the operation panel 11. Then, the control device 80 first starts the operation of the pump 35 with the drain valve 70 closed and the exhaust passage 67 closed by the damper 68. Water is supplied from the water tank 30 into the pot 41 of the steam generator 40 through the first to fourth water supply pipes 31 to 34 by the pump 35. When the water level sensor 43 detects that the water level in the pot 41 has reached a predetermined water level, the pump 35 is stopped to stop water supply.

  Next, the steam generating heater 42 is energized, and a predetermined amount of water accumulated in the pot 41 is heated by the steam generating heater 42.

  Next, simultaneously with the energization of the steam generating heater 42 or when the temperature of the water in the pot 41 reaches a predetermined temperature, the blower fan 28 is turned on and the first steam heating heater 52 of the steam heating device 50 is energized. To do. Then, the blower fan 28 sucks air (including steam) in the heating chamber 20 from the suction port 25 and sends out air (including steam) to the circulation path 60. Since a centrifugal fan is used as the blower fan 28, a higher pressure can be generated compared to 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 pot 41 of the steam generator 40 boils, saturated steam is generated, and the generated saturated steam joins the circulating airflow passing through the circulation path 60 at the steam suction ejector 44. The steam discharged from the steam suction ejector 44 flows into the steam temperature raising device 50 through the second pipe 63 at a high speed.

  And the steam which flowed into the said steam temperature rising apparatus 50 is heated by the 1st steam heating heater 52, and turns into a superheated steam of about 300 degreeC (it changes with cooking contents). 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 22 on both side surfaces of the heating chamber 20 through the steam supply passages 23 provided on both the left and right sides of the steam heating device 50.

  Thereby, the superheated steam ejected from the ceiling side of the heating chamber 20 is vigorously supplied toward the heated object 90 side in the center, and the superheated steam ejected from the left and right side surfaces of the heating chamber 20 is heated. It is supplied while being lifted so as to wrap the article 90 to be heated from below the article 90. As a result, convection occurs in the heating chamber 20 in such a manner that it is blown down at the center and rises outside the center. Then, the convection steam is sequentially sucked into the suction port 25 and repeats circulation such that it returns to the heating chamber 20 through the circulation path 60 again.

  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 while maintaining the temperature and humidity distribution in the heating chamber 20 uniform. 55 and the side air outlet 22, and can efficiently collide with the heated object 90 placed on the rack 24. Then, the object to be heated 90 is heated by the collision of superheated steam. At this time, the superheated steam in contact with 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.

  Further, in the above cooking operation, when time elapses, the amount of steam in the heating chamber 20 increases, and the surplus amount of steam passes from the discharge port 27 through the discharge passage 64 and the exhaust duct 65. And discharged from the exhaust port 66 to the outside. At this time, the steam 69 passing through the discharge passage 64 is cooled and condensed by the radiator 69 provided in the discharge passage 64, thereby preventing the steam from being discharged to the outside as it is. The water condensed in the discharge passage 64 by the radiator 69 flows down in the discharge passage 64 and is guided to the receiving tray 21, and is processed together with the water generated by cooking after the cooking.

  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 67. . Thereby, the first pipe 61 of the circulation path 60 communicates with the exhaust duct 65 through the exhaust passage 67, and the steam in the heating chamber 20 is blown by the blower fan 28 through the suction port 25, the first pipe 61, the exhaust passage 67 and The gas is discharged from the exhaust port 66 through the exhaust duct 65. This damper operation is the same even if the user opens the door 12 during cooking. Therefore, the user can safely remove the object to be heated 90 from the heating chamber 20 without being exposed to steam.

  During heating with steam, when the water level in the pot 41 of the steam generator 40 drops by a predetermined value due to evaporation, the pump 35 is operated for a certain period of time to replenish water, and the water level in the pot 41 drops again by the predetermined value. When the same operation is repeated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control device 80 after the end of the heating process. The process after the end of the heating of the control unit 80 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, when the process is started and the heating is finished in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and it is determined whether or not the finished heating is steam heating. If it is determined in step S2 that the heating is steam, the process proceeds to step S3 to obtain the cooling time TCn measured by the first timer 80a. The first timer 80a measures the elapsed time from the end of heating.

  In step S4, the water temperature sensor 48 measures the water temperature TWn in the pot 41.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S5, where it is determined whether or not the cooling time TCn obtained in step S3 is less than the predetermined time T1, and when the cooling time TCn is less than the predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step S6 while the cooling time When TCn is equal to or longer than the predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the water temperature TWn exceeds the predetermined temperature TW0. When the water temperature TWn exceeds the predetermined temperature TW0, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, when the water temperature TWn is lower than the predetermined temperature TW0, Proceed to S7.

  Next, in step S <b> 7, the display unit 11 </ b> A displays the drainage and notifies the user to drain the water in the pot 41 of the steam generator 40.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S8, and the time TSn counted by the first timer 80b is obtained. The first timer 80b measures the elapsed time from the drainage display.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S9, where it is determined whether or not the time TSn obtained in step S8 is less than the predetermined time T3. When the time TSn is less than the predetermined time T3, the process proceeds to step S10 while the time TSn is predetermined. When the time is equal to or greater than time T3, the process proceeds to step S15, the self-holding relay RY2 is turned off, the power supply is shut off, and this process ends.

  In step S10, it is determined whether or not the drainage is cancelled. If the drainage is canceled, the process proceeds to step S13 described later. If not, the process proceeds to step S11.

  Next, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the drain key is input by the key input unit 11. When the drain key is input, the process proceeds to step S12, the drain process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the steam heating is not performed, the process proceeds to step S13, and the time TKn measured by the third timer 80c is obtained. The third timer 80c measures the elapsed time after the end of heating without using steam and the elapsed time after the waste water treatment.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S14, where it is determined whether or not the time TKn obtained in step S13 is less than the predetermined time T2. When the time TKn is less than the predetermined time T2, the process returns to step S13, while the time TKn is When the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time T2, the process proceeds to step S15, the power is shut off, and this process is terminated.

  As described above, when the water temperature in the pot 41 becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature TWn (for example, 40 ° C.) after the heating by the steam is completed, or for a predetermined time after the heating by the steam is completed. When T1 elapses, the display unit 11A displays the information so as to drain the water in the steam generator 40 and notifies the user. When the user determines that the water is necessary, the drain valve 70 is opened and steam is discharged. Since the water in the generator 40 is drained, the water in the steam generator 40 can be drained under conditions where scale does not occur (water temperature 40 ° C. or less). Therefore, the scale generated in the steam generator 40 can be reduced with a simple configuration without washing with water.

  Further, when the user is informed to drain the water in the steam generator 40 by the display unit 11A, for example, when cooking is finished and the user does not use for a while, the drain is selected by the key input unit 11B and steam is used. The water in the generator 40 is drained by opening the drain valve 70. In addition, when cooking is performed continuously, draining increases the amount of water consumed and requires time, so the key input unit 11B selects not to drain. Therefore, when notifying the user to drain the water in the steam generator 40, the user can select whether or not to drain as necessary, and the usability according to the usage situation can be improved.

  Further, when the second predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the user was informed to drain the water in the steam generator 40, it is determined that the predetermined power-off condition has been satisfied and the self-holding relay RY2 is turned off. By doing so, the power supply to the control device 80 is cut off. When waiting for the selection of whether or not to drain after the notification, the power can be turned off, and after the second predetermined time T3 has elapsed, the power can be turned off to reliably reduce standby power. it can.

  In addition, after informing the user to drain the water in the steam generator 40, the user selects the drain by the key input unit 11B and drains the water in the steam generator 40, and then the third When the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, it is determined that the predetermined power-off condition has been satisfied, and the power supply to the control device 80 as the steam cooker body is cut off by turning off the self-holding relay RY2. During the drainage after the notification, the power supply voltage can be prevented from being cut off, and the standby power can be reliably reduced by turning off the power supply after the third predetermined time T2.

  In the above embodiment, the condensed water generated in the circulation path 60 is drained into the heating chamber 20 via the drainage path (drainage pipes 71 and 72). However, a drainage tank is provided separately and the circulation path is provided in the drainage tank. You may make it drain the condensed water produced in the inside through a drainage channel.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the steam generator 40 and the steam temperature rising apparatus 50 were provided and the steam cooker which heats and cooks a to-be-heated material with superheated steam was demonstrated, the steam cooker of this invention does steam. What is necessary is just to provide the steam generator which generate | occur | produces, and the drainage means which drains the water in the said steam generator.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the electric power supply of the control apparatus 80 was interrupted | blocked as an example of the steam cooker main body which interrupts | blocks an electric power supply, when there exists another part to which electric power is supplied, the part also supplies electric power. Included in steam cooker body to shut off.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a steam cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the steam cooker with the door opened. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the steam cooker. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device for the steam cooker. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control device after the end of the heat treatment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Steam cooking apparatus 10 ... Main body casing 11 ... Operation panel 11A ... Display part 11B ... Key input part 12 ... Door 13 ... Handle 14 ... Window 20 ... Heating chamber 21 ... Receptacle 22 ... Side surface steam outlet 23 ... Steam supply passage 24 ... Rack 25 ... Suction port 26 ... Fan casing 27 ... Discharge port 28 ... Blower fan 28a ... Fan part 28b ... Motor part 29 ... Drain outlet 30 ... Water tank 31 ... First water supply pipe 32 ... Second water supply pipe 33 ... 3rd water supply pipe 34 ... 4th water supply pipe 35 ... Pump 36 ... Water tank water level sensor 39 ... Auxiliary tank 40 ... Steam generator 41 ... Pot 42 ... Heater part 43 ... Water level sensor 44 ... Steam suction ejector 48 ... Water temperature sensor 50 ... Steam temperature raising device 51 ... Dish-shaped case 52 ... First steam heater 53 ... Second steam heater 60 ... Circulation path 6 ... 1st pipe 63 ... 2nd pipe 64 ... Release passage 65 ... Exhaust duct 66 ... Exhaust port 67 ... Exhaust passage 68 ... Damper 69 ... Radiator 70 ... Drain valve 71, 72 ... Drain pipe 80 ... Control device 80a ... First Timer 80b ... Second timer 80c ... Third timer 81 ... Inside temperature sensor 90 ... Object to be heated 100 ... Water tank storage part 101 ... Projection part 102 ... Air outlet 103 ... Concave part 104 ... Cooling slit 105 ... Packing 110 ... Outlet SW1 ... Door interlock switch SW2 ... Door open / close detection switch SW3 ... Tank installation detection switch

Claims (4)

A steam generator for generating steam for heating an object to be heated;
Drainage means for draining water in the steam generator;
The water in the steam generator is drained when the water temperature in the steam generator becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature after the heating by the steam is completed, or when a predetermined time has elapsed after the heating by the steam is completed. So as to notify the user ,
When the notification means informs the user to drain the water in the steam generator, the steam generator is entrusted with a decision whether or not to drain the water in the steam generator. A steam cooker comprising: drainage selection means for selecting whether or not to drain the water inside . The steam cooker according to claim 1, wherein
A shut-off means for shutting off power supply to the steam cooker body when a predetermined power shut-off condition is satisfied;
When the second predetermined time has elapsed since the notification means notifies the user to drain the water in the steam generator, the steam cooker body is determined to satisfy the predetermined power-off condition. A steam cooker, comprising: a control device that shuts off power supply to the power source by the shut-off means. The steam cooker according to claim 1 , wherein
A shut-off means for shutting off power supply to the steam cooker body when a predetermined power shut-off condition is satisfied;
When the user selects drainage by the drainage selection means and drains the water in the steam generator by the drainage means, it is determined that the predetermined power-off condition is satisfied when a third predetermined time has elapsed. And a control device for shutting off the power supply to the steam cooker body by the shut-off means. The steam cooker according to claim 1 , wherein
A shut-off means for shutting off power supply to the steam cooker body when a predetermined power shut-off condition is satisfied;
When the second predetermined time has elapsed since the notification means notifies the user to drain the water in the steam generator, or the user selects drainage by the drainage selection means and When the third predetermined time has elapsed since the water in the steam generator was drained by the draining means, it is determined that the predetermined power-off condition has been satisfied, and the power supply to the steam cooker body is cut off. And a steam cooker characterized by comprising a control device for shutting off.

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