JP4602289B2 - Cooker - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cooking device that cooks food using steam.

  Some cookers using steam collect used steam or heat of the steam to prevent the user from being exposed to the high temperature of the steam and effectively use the generated heat.

  For example, in the steam recovery device for a cooking device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-232613 (Patent Document 1), steam generated in the inner pot at the time of rice cooking by a rice cooker is blown by a blower through a steam discharge path. Then, it is discharged into the water in the heat exchanger attached to the outer wall of the rice cooker body. The steam discharged into the water exchanges heat with the water, and a part of the steam is condensed into the water. Thus, the steam is discharged safely and without condensation near the place of use.

  Further, in the steam cooking device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-243648 (Patent Document 2), steam generated in the steam generating container is passed through the steam supply hole and the branch pipe from the steam ejection hole into the cooking case. Blow out to cook. On the other hand, the water in the water storage tank is supplied to the steam generation container through the water absorption pipe and the steam supply pipe. At that time, heat is exchanged with the steam in the cooking case at a heat exchanging portion which is a portion of the water absorption pipe in the cooking case. Thus, the water supplied to the steam generating container is preheated with the used steam in the cooking case, so that the heat of the steam is effectively used.

  Moreover, in the heating apparatus using superheated steam disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-272604 (Patent Document 3), the superheated steam obtained by heating the water in the tank with the heat storage material in the heat storage tank is ejected. To heat the object to be heated by jetting into the heating box. Waste heat recovery means (heat exchanger) is installed in the tank, the superheated steam discharged from the heating box is sent to the waste heat recovery means to dissipate heat to the water in the tank and condense, It is discharged as water.

  In addition, in the cooking device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-336846 (Patent Document 4), steam is condensed in an exhaust passage for discharging superheated steam in the heating chamber, and the generated condensed water is discharged into the exhaust stream. It is made to flow down into the heating chamber along the side wall of the passage and is reused again as a generation source of superheated steam.

  However, the conventional cooker using steam has the following problems. That is, in the steam recovery device for a cooking appliance disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to newly attach a heat exchange device for exchanging heat with the generated steam to the outer wall of the main body, and the cooker becomes large in size. There is. Moreover, the generated steam is merely discharged as water and low-temperature steam, and the heat of the steam cannot be recovered and used effectively.

  Moreover, in the steam cooking apparatus disclosed by the said patent document 2, the heat | fever of the used steam in the said cooking case can be collect | recovered, and it can utilize effectively. However, the steam in the cooking case after heat exchange with the water supplied to the steam generating container is simply discharged out of the apparatus, and steam is not collected. Furthermore, the water supplied to the steam generating container on the side receiving heat is moving with respect to the steam in the cooking case on the side supplying heat. Therefore, the water supplied to the steam generation container only exchanges heat once with the steam in the cooking case when passing through the heat exchange section. Therefore, there is a problem that heat exchange with the steam cannot be performed sufficiently efficiently.

  Moreover, in the heating apparatus using superheated steam disclosed in Patent Document 3, the waste heat of superheated steam discharged from the heating box can be recovered and used effectively. However, the superheated steam from the heating box that has finished exchanging heat with the water in the tank is simply discharged as condensed water, and no steam is recovered. Furthermore, since the volume of the tank is large, the temperature of the internal water cannot be quickly raised. In addition, the water level of the tank varies greatly. Therefore, there is a problem that heat exchange with the superheated steam cannot be performed sufficiently efficiently.

Further, in the cooking device disclosed in Patent Document 4, water generated by condensation of steam in the exhaust passage is caused to flow into the heating chamber, so that the temperature of the heating chamber side wall decreases, There is a problem that condensation in the heating chamber increases.
JP-A-3-231613 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-243648 JP 2002-272604 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-336846

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooking device can be recovered to reuse and the steam used to cook and heat of the steam.

In order to solve the above problems, the heating cooker of the present invention is:
A steam generator including a pot to which water is supplied, and heating means for heating the water in the pot;
A heating chamber for heating an object to be heated by steam supplied from the steam generator;
A condensing part for condensing at least part of the steam from the heating chamber;
One end is connected to the heating chamber, and includes a steam discharge passage that guides the steam from the heating chamber to the water or the water surface in the condensing unit,
Direct heat exchange is performed between the steam from the heating chamber and the water in the condensing unit , and the condensed water generated by the heat exchange is recovered as water used in the steam generator and the condensation generated by the heat exchange. A heating cooker characterized in that heat is recovered as thermal energy of the water for generating steam .

According to the above configuration, the steam from the heating chamber is guided to the water or the water surface in the condenser through the steam discharge passage, and direct heat exchange is performed between the steam from the heating chamber and the water in the condenser. At least a part of the steam from the heating chamber is condensed. And the water condensed in this way is collect | recovered as water for steam generation. Therefore, the steam which heated the to-be-heated object in the said heating chamber can be reused as the water for steam generation used with the said steam generator, and the amount of water which should be prepared when performing the same dish can be reduced. . Furthermore, the water for steam generation is preheated by the condensation heat generated by the heat exchange, and the heat of the steam is recovered as thermal energy of the water for steam generation. Therefore, the heat energy required when performing the same dish can be reduced.

Also, the cooking device of the present invention,
A steam generator including a pot to which water is supplied, and heating means for heating the water in the pot;
A heating chamber for heating an object to be heated by steam supplied from the steam generator;
A water tank for storing water supplied to the pot;
A water level detection tank that is supplied with water from the water tank and has a water level sensor attached thereto, and communicates with a lower part of the pot to form a water surface at the same level as the water surface of the pot;
One end is connected to the heating chamber, and includes a steam discharge passage that guides the steam from the heating chamber to the water or the water surface in the water level detection tank,
Using the water level detection tank as a condensing unit, heat is directly exchanged between the steam from the heating chamber and the water in the water level detection tank, and the condensed water generated by the heat exchange is used as water to be used in the steam generator. is recovered, you recover heat of condensation caused by the heat exchanger as a heat energy of the water for the steam generator
It is characterized a call.

  According to the above configuration, the water level sensor is attached to the water level detection tank that communicates with the lower part of the pot of the steam generating device and forms the same level as the water level of the pot. The water level is detected. Furthermore, the water supplied to the pot is stored in a water tank, and water is supplied to the pot by being supplied from the water tank to the water level detection tank. Therefore, the water temperature in the water level detection tank is lower than the water temperature in the pot heated by the heating means, although the water level detection tank communicates with the lower part of the pot. The volume of the water level detection tank is smaller than that of the water tank, and the water level of the water level detection tank is more stable than that of the water tank.

In this way, the water level detection tank having a lower water temperature than the pot is used as a condensing unit , and heat is directly exchanged between the steam from the heating chamber and the water in the water level detection tank. Therefore, the heat exchange can be performed more efficiently than when the pot is used as a heat exchanger. Furthermore, the water level detection tank water level smaller volume than the water tank is stable with a condensing unit, so as to perform a direct heat exchange between water vapor and the water level detection tank from the heating chamber Yes. Therefore, like the heating apparatus using superheated steam disclosed in Patent Document 3, the heat exchange can be performed more efficiently than when the water tank is used as a heat exchanger.

Moreover, in the heating cooker of one embodiment,
A space above the water surface in the water level detection tank extends from one side wall of the water level detection tank toward the other side wall opposite to the one side wall and substantially parallel to the water surface. A space separating plate that separates the space and an upper space located above the lower space, and is spaced apart from the other side wall to communicate the upper space and the lower space on the other side wall;
An exhaust duct,
One end is connected to the one side wall in the water level detection tank, and an exhaust passage for communicating the upper space in the water level detection tank with the exhaust duct;
One end is connected to the one side wall side of the top plate of the water level detection tank, and a water supply passage for supplying water in the water tank to the water level detection tank,
The other end of the vapor discharge passage is connected to the position of the lower space on the one side wall of the water level detection tank,
The water level in the water level detection tank is always located in the opening region at the other end in the vapor discharge passage.

  According to this embodiment, the water supplied from the water supply passage to the upper space of the water level detection tank falls from the front end of the space separation plate to the water surface. On the other hand, the steam from the heating chamber supplied to the lower space of the water level detection tank through the steam discharge passage is from the opening at the other end in the steam discharge passage toward the other side wall. It flows along the inner water surface, enters the upper space from the tip of the space separation plate, flows in the upper space toward the one side wall, and reaches the exhaust passage.

At that time, heat exchange is performed between the steam flowing along the water surface in the water level detection tank and the water in the vicinity of the water surface. Further, heat exchange is performed between the steam flowing in the upper space toward the one side wall and the supply water flowing in the upper surface of the space separation plate toward the other side wall. The condensed water generated by the respective heat exchanges becomes water in the water level detection tank, and the steam is recovered as steam generation water used in the steam generator. Further, the water in the water level detection tank and the supply water are heated by the condensation heat due to the respective heat exchanges, and the heat of the steam is recovered as thermal energy of water for generating steam .

Also, in the cooker of one embodiment,
A heat dissipating material is disposed from the space separation plate in the water level detection tank to the water.

  According to this embodiment, the steam from the heating chamber that is supplied to the water level detection tank through the steam discharge passage is in the water level detection tank from the open end of the steam discharge passage toward the other side wall. It flows along the surface of the water. At that time, since the steam touches the heat radiating material, in addition to heat exchange between the steam and water near the water surface, between the steam and the heat radiating material and between the heat radiating material and the water level detection tank. Heat exchange is also performed with water.

  In that case, the condensation heat generated by heat exchange between the steam and the heat dissipation material travels through the heat dissipation material and also moves into the water in the water level detection tank, so the water in the heat dissipation material and the water level detection tank The heat exchange with is performed not only on the water in the vicinity of the water surface, but also on the whole including the water in the middle layer and the deep layer. Therefore, the efficiency of heat exchange between the steam and the water in the water level detection tank can be increased as compared with the case where the heat dissipation material is not used.

In the above cooking device,
The heat dissipating material, foil-like or plate-like and to lever,
In the case where the thin foil-shaped heat radiating material is used, a pleat is formed on the heat radiating material, or the heat radiating material is bent several times in the water level detecting tank, so that the water level detecting tank The contact area with water can be increased, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. Moreover, when the plate-shaped heat dissipation material having a thickness is used, the heat conductivity of the heat dissipation material can be improved, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

In the above cooking device,
The other end of the steam discharge passage, and inserted into the water level detection tank through the above the water surface in the water level detection tank,
Lever to place the other end of the vapor discharge passage so as to be positioned below the water surface of the water level detection tank,
The steam from the heating chamber supplied to the water level detection tank through the steam discharge passage is discharged into the water from the other end of the steam discharge passage. The condensed water generated by heat exchange with the water in the water level detection tank is recovered in the water level detection tank, and the steam from the heating chamber is recovered as water for steam generation used in the steam generator. Is done. Furthermore, the water in the water level detection tank is heated by the generated condensation heat, and the heat of the steam from the heating chamber is recovered as thermal energy of the water for generating steam.

In the above cooking device,
The other end of the steam discharge passage, and inserted into the water level detection tank through the above the water surface in the water level detection tank,
And overlooked stripped the other end of the vapor discharge passage obliquely, to form the inclined surface on the other end,
The inclined surface formed on the other end of the steam discharge passage, and the water level sensor side toward Ke on the opposite side, at least a portion of said inclined surface is always located on the water surface in the water level detection tank If
Steam from the heating chamber supplied to the water level detection tank through the steam discharge passage is discharged into the water from the inclined surface portion formed at the other end of the steam discharge passage. The condensed water generated by heat exchange with the water in the water level detection tank is recovered in the water level detection tank, and the steam from the heating chamber is recovered as water for steam generation used in the steam generator. Is done. Furthermore, the water in the water level detection tank is heated by the generated condensation heat, and the heat of the steam from the heating chamber is recovered as thermal energy of the water for generating steam.

  At that time, an inclined surface is formed at the other end of the vapor discharge passage, and this inclined surface is formed so as to face the side opposite to the water level detection tank. For this reason, the bubbles that could not become the condensed water are mainly discharged from the inclined surface toward the side opposite to the water level sensor side. As a result, waves generated on the water surface due to the bubbles are reduced from reaching the water level sensor, and the detection value of the water level sensor is reduced.

  Further, an inclined surface formed at the other end of the vapor discharge passage is located on the water surface in the water level detection tank. Therefore, even if the position of the water surface in the water level detection tank fluctuates, it is possible to always stop the open end of the steam discharge passage in the water and reduce the decrease in the condensation efficiency of the steam from the heating chamber. In addition, it is possible to always expose a part of the opening end of the steam discharge passage from the water surface, and to prevent a part of the steam from the heating chamber from escaping into the air and increasing the pressure in the heating chamber. it can.

In the above cooking device,
While extending toward water from the water surface in the water level detection tank to lump Bei a partition plate that partitions between the other end and the water level sensor of the steam discharge passage,
The steam that has not become condensed water becomes bubbles and rises in the water from the inclined surface at the other end of the steam discharge passage and bursts at the water surface. And the wave which generate | occur | produces on the water surface in that case is interrupted | blocked by the said partition plate which extends in a perpendicular direction from the water surface to underwater, and partitions off between the said other end of the said vapor | steam discharge passage and the said water level sensor. Therefore, the wave can be prevented from spreading to the water surface on the water level sensor side .

Also, the cooking device of the present invention,
A steam generator including a pot to which water is supplied, and heating means for heating the water in the pot;
A heating chamber for heating an object to be heated by steam supplied from the steam generator;
A water tank for storing water supplied to the pot;
An auxiliary tank provided in a water circuit between the water tank and the pot , to which water is supplied from the water tank;
One end is connected to the heating chamber, and a steam discharge passage that guides steam from the heating chamber to the water or the water surface in the auxiliary tank,
Direct heat exchange is performed between the steam from the heating chamber and the water in the auxiliary tank using the auxiliary tank as a condensing unit, and the condensed water generated by the heat exchange is recovered as water used in the steam generator. together, you recover heat of condensation caused by the heat exchanger as a heat energy of the water for the steam generator
It is characterized a call.

According to the above configuration, through the steam vapor discharge passage from the heating chamber, it is led to the water or water in the auxiliary tank provided in the water circuit between the pot of the water tank and the steam generator, the heating Direct heat exchange is performed between the steam from the chamber and the water in the auxiliary tank, and at least a part of the steam from the heating chamber is condensed. And the water condensed in this way is collect | recovered as water for steam generation used with the said steam generator. Therefore, the steam which heated the to-be-heated material in the said heating chamber can be reused as water for steam generation, and the amount of water which should be prepared when performing the same dish can be reduced. Furthermore, the water for steam generation is preheated by the heat of condensation generated by the heat exchange, and the heat of the steam is recovered as thermal energy of the water for steam generation. Therefore, the heat energy required when performing the same dish can be reduced.

As is clear from the above, the heating cooker according to the present invention directly uses the steam from the heating chamber led to the water or the water surface in the condensing unit through the steam discharge passage from the heating chamber and the water in the condensing unit. Heat exchange is performed, and at least a part of the steam from the heating chamber is condensed in the condensing unit, and the obtained condensed water is recovered as water for steam generation used in the steam generator , and the resulting condensation is generated. Since heat is recovered as thermal energy of the water for generating steam, the steam in the heating chamber, which has been conventionally only discharged as steam, can be reused as water for generating steam. Furthermore, the heat of the steam in the heating chamber, which has been conventionally only discharged as steam, can be reused as thermal energy of the water for generating steam.

  In the cooking device of the present invention, the water supplied to the pot of the steam generator is stored in a water tank, and the water surface communicates with the lower part of the pot from the water tank and is at the same level as the water surface of the pot. Since the water is supplied to the pot by being supplied to the water level detection tank that forms the water level, the water temperature in the water level detection tank can be said to be in communication with the lower part of the pot. The water temperature in the pot being heated by the heating means is lower. The volume of the water level detection tank is smaller than that of the water tank, and the water level of the water level detection tank is more stable than that of the water tank.

In this way, the water level detection tank having a lower water temperature than the pot is used as a condensing unit , and heat is directly exchanged between the steam from the heating chamber and the water in the water level detection tank. Therefore, the heat exchange can be performed more efficiently than when the pot is used as a heat exchanger. Furthermore, the water level detection tank water level smaller volume than the water tank is stable with a condensing unit, so as to perform a direct heat exchange between water vapor and the water level detection tank from the heating chamber Yes. Therefore, the heat exchange can be performed more efficiently than when the water tank is used as a heat exchanger.

Steam addition, the cooker of the invention, derived from the heating chamber, the water or the water surface in the auxiliary tank provided in the water circuit between the pot through a steam discharge passage water tank and the steam generator And the water in the auxiliary tank are directly heat-exchanged to condense at least part of the steam from the heating chamber in the auxiliary tank, and the resulting condensed water is used to generate steam used in the steam generator. In addition to being recovered as water for use , the generated heat of condensation is recovered as thermal energy of the water for generating steam, so that the steam in the heating chamber can be reused as water for generating steam. Furthermore, the heat of the steam in the heating chamber can be reused as thermal energy of the water for generating the steam.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the heating cooker according to the present embodiment. The heating cooker 1 is provided with an operation panel 11 at the upper part of the front surface of the rectangular parallelepiped cabinet 10, and a door 12 that rotates around the lower end side is provided below the operation panel 11 on the front surface of the cabinet 10. It is provided and roughly configured. A handle 13 is provided at the top of the door 12, and a heat-resistant glass window 14 is fitted into the door 12.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the heating cooker 1 with the door 12 opened. A rectangular parallelepiped heating chamber 20 is provided in the cabinet 10. The heating chamber 20 has an opening 20a on the front side facing the door 12, and the side surface, bottom surface and top surface 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 placed 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 tray 21 is installed on the bottom surface of the heating chamber 20, and a stainless steel wire rack 24 (see FIG. 3) for placing an object to be heated is installed on the tray 21. The Furthermore, a substantially rectangular side surface steam outlet 22 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 2) is provided at the lower part of both side surfaces of the heating chamber 20.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a basic configuration of the heating cooker 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the heating cooker 1 includes a heating chamber 20, a water tank 30 that stores steam water, and a steam generator 40 that generates steam by evaporating water supplied from the water tank 30. And a steam heating chamber 50 for heating the steam from the steam generator 40, and a control device 80 for controlling operations of the steam generator 40, the steam heating chamber 50, and the like.

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

  The connecting portion 30 a provided on the lower side of the water tank 30 can be connected to a funnel-shaped receiving port 31 a provided at one end of the first water supply pipe 31. The suction side of the pump 35 is connected to the 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. ing. 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 an 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 disposed portion, and a water level detection tank 39 is connected to the other end of the third water supply pipe 33. Further, one end of a fourth water supply pipe 34 is connected to the lower end of the water level detection tank 39, and the lower end of the steam generator 40 is connected to the other end of the fourth water supply pipe 34. Further, one end of the drain valve 70 is connected to a lower side than the connection point of the fourth water supply pipe 34 in the steam generator 40. One end of a drain pipe 71 is connected to the other end of the drain valve 70, and a drain tank 72 is connected to the other end of the drain pipe 71. The upper portion of the water level detection tank 39 is communicated with the atmosphere via the atmosphere opening pipe 37 and the exhaust duct 65. A water level sensor 43 is attached in the water level detection tank 39.

  When the water tank 30 is connected to the receiving port 31 a of the first water supply pipe 31, the water in the water tank 30 rises into the air release pipe 37 until the water level becomes the same as that of the water tank 30. At this time, the water level sensor pipe 38 connected to the water tank water level sensor 36 is sealed at the tip, so that the water level does not rise. However, according to the water level of the water tank 30, the water level sensor pipe 38 has a sealed space. The pressure rises from atmospheric pressure. By detecting this pressure change with a pressure detection element (not shown) in the water level sensor 36 for water tank, the water level in the water tank 30 is detected. In the water level measurement when the pump 35 is stationary, the air release pipe 37 is not necessary, but the suction pressure of the pump 35 directly acts on the pressure detection element, and the accuracy of the water level detection of the water tank 30 decreases. In order to prevent this, an air release pipe 37 having an open end is provided.

  The steam generator 40 is attached to the pot 41 having the other end of the fourth water supply pipe 34 connected to the lower side, the steam generating heater 42 disposed near the bottom surface in the pot 41, and the pot 41. A vapor suction ejector 44. A fan casing 26 is disposed outside the suction port 25 provided in the upper side of the heating chamber 20. Then, the steam in the heating chamber 20 is sucked from the suction port 25 by the blower fan 28 installed in the fan casing 26, and the steam suction ejector of the steam generating device 40 through the first pipe 61 and the second pipe 62. 44 is sent to the inlet side. The first pipe 61 is disposed substantially horizontally and has one end connected to the fan casing 26. The second pipe 62 is arranged substantially vertically, and one end is connected to the other end of the first pipe 61 and the other end is connected to the inlet side of the inner nozzle 45 of the vapor suction ejector 44. .

  The steam 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. One end of the third pipe 63 is connected to the discharge side of the outer nozzle 46 of the steam suction ejector 44, and the steam heating chamber 50 is connected to the other end of the third pipe 63.

  The fan casing 26, the first pipe 61, the second pipe 62, the steam suction ejector 44, the third pipe 63, and the steam heating chamber 50 form an external circulation path 60. Further, one end of a vapor discharge passage 64 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a 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 the water level. The detection tank 39 is inserted through the top surface of the detection tank 39 into the water level detection tank 39. Thus, the water in the water level detection tank 39 is prevented from flowing back into the heating chamber 20 from the discharge passage 64. In this case, it is sufficient that the discharge passage 64 penetrates the water level detection tank 39 at a position where the water in the water level detection tank 39 does not flow back into the heating chamber 20, for example, on the side surface of the water level detection tank 39. There is no problem even if it penetrates at a position that is always higher than the water surface in the water level detection tank 39.

  An exhaust port 66 is provided at the other end of the exhaust duct 65. An exhaust duct 65 is connected to a connection portion between the first pipe 61 and the second pipe 62 forming the external circulation path 60 via an exhaust passage 67. Further, a damper 68 that opens and closes the exhaust passage 67 is disposed on the connection side of the first and second pipes 61 and 62 in the exhaust passage 67.

  The steam heating chamber 50 includes a dish-shaped case 51 disposed on the ceiling side of the heating chamber 20 and substantially in the center with the opening facing downward, and the steam heating disposed in the dish-shaped case 51. A heater 52 is 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. The ceiling panel 54 is formed with a plurality of ceiling steam outlets 55 as the first steam outlets. Here, the upper and lower surfaces of the ceiling panel 54 are finished in a dark color 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, one end of a steam supply passage 23 (only one is visible in FIG. 3) extending toward the left and right sides is connected to the steam heating chamber 50 at the upper portion of the heating chamber 20, respectively. The steam supply passage 23 extends downward along both side surfaces of the heating chamber 20, and is connected to a side surface steam outlet 22 provided on the lower side of both side surfaces of the heating chamber 20 at the other end. Has been.

  Next, the control system of the heating cooker 1 will be described.

  The control device 80 includes a microcomputer, an input / output circuit, and the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the blower fan 28, the steam heater 52, the damper 68, the drain valve 70, the steam generating heater 42, and the operation Panel 11, water tank water level sensor 36, water level sensor 43, temperature sensor 81 for detecting the temperature in heating chamber 20 (shown in FIG. 3), and humidity sensor 82 for detecting the humidity in heating chamber 20 The pump 35 is connected. Based on detection signals from the water tank water level sensor 36, the water level sensor 43, the temperature sensor 81, and the humidity sensor 82, the blower fan 28, the steam heating heater 52, the damper 68, the drain valve 70, the steam generating heater 42, the operation The panel 11 and the pump 35 are controlled according to a predetermined program.

  Hereinafter, the basic operation of the heating cooker 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. When a power switch (not shown) of the operation panel 11 is pressed, the power is turned on, and the cooking operation is started by operating the operation panel 11. Then, first, the control device 80 closes the drain valve 70 and starts the operation of the pump 35 in a state where the exhaust passage 67 is closed by the damper 68. Then, water is supplied from the water tank 30 into the pot 41 of the steam generator 40 via the first to fourth water supply pipes 31 to 34 by the pump 35. In that case, since the bottom of the water level detection tank 39 communicates with the bottom of the pot 41 via the fourth water supply pipe 34, the water level of the water level detection tank 39 is the same as the water level of the pot 41. Thereafter, 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.

  Note that the water level detection tank 39 and the pot 41 do not necessarily need to communicate with each other at the bottom, and may communicate with each other at a position where the water level of the pot 41 serving as a steam generation unit can be measured. For example, the side surface near the bottom of the water level detection tank 39 and the side surface near the bottom of the pot 41 may communicate with each other. Thus, it is preferable that the water level detection tank 39 and the pot 41 communicate with each other at the lower part. This is because the water level of the pot 41 can be measured to a low position by doing so.

  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.

  When the steam generating heater 42 is energized or when the temperature of the water in the pot 41 reaches a predetermined temperature, the blower fan 28 is turned on and the steam heater 52 in the steam heating chamber 50 is energized. Then, the blower fan 28 sucks the gas (including steam) in the heating chamber 20 from the suction port 25 and sends the gas (including steam) to the external circulation path 60. In that case, since the centrifugal fan is used for the ventilation fan 28, a high pressure can be generated compared with the case where a propeller fan is used. 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 external circulation path 60 at the location of the steam suction ejector 44. Then, the steam discharged from the steam suction ejector 44 flows into the steam heating chamber 50 through the third pipe 63 at a high speed.

  The steam that has flowed into the steam heating chamber 50 is heated by the steam heater 52 and becomes superheated steam at approximately 300 ° C. (depending on the cooking content). A part of this 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 the left and right sides of the steam heating chamber 50.

  Thus, 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 supplied to the tray 21. After the collision, the material to be heated 90 is supplied while being wrapped from below the material 90 to be heated. As a result, in the heating chamber 20, convection occurs in such a manner that it blows down at the center and rises outside thereof. Then, the convection steam is sequentially sucked into the suction port 25 and repeatedly circulates through the external circulation path 60 and returns to the heating chamber 20 again.

  In this way, by forming a convection of superheated steam in the heating chamber 20, the superheated steam from the steam heating chamber 50 is removed from the ceiling steam outlet while maintaining the temperature and humidity distribution in the heating chamber 20 uniform. 55 and the side outlet 22 can be efficiently collided with the heated object 90 placed on the rack 24, and the heated object 90 is heated by the collision of the superheated steam. In that case, the superheated steam that has contacted the surface of the object to be heated 90 also heats the object to be heated 90 by releasing latent heat when dew condensation occurs on the surface of the object to be heated 90. As a result, a large amount of heat of the superheated steam can be reliably and promptly applied to the entire surface of the article 90 to be heated. Therefore, it is possible to realize cooking with no spots and good finish.

  In addition, when the time elapses during the cooking operation, the amount of steam in the heating chamber 20 increases, and the amount of excess steam and the pressure in the heating chamber 20 are exhausted so as not to increase excessively. Steam or the like (hereinafter sometimes referred to as surplus steam) is supplied from the discharge port 27 into the water level detection tank 39 through the discharge passage 64. Then, the steam supplied into the water level detection tank 39 exchanges heat with the water in the water level detection tank 39 to partially condense, becomes condensed water, stops in the water level detection tank 39, and the rest is low temperature. Steam is discharged from the exhaust port 66 through the exhaust duct 65 to the outside. At that time, the steam passing through the water level detection tank 39 is cooled to prevent the steam from being released to the outside as it is. A part of the water condensed in the discharge passage 64 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 cooking, the control device 80 displays a cooking end message on the operation panel 11, and a buzzer (not shown) provided on the operation panel 11 sounds a signal. When a user who knows the end of cooking by these messages and buzzer opens the door 12, the control device 80 detects that the door 12 has been opened by a sensor (not shown) and opens the damper 68 of the exhaust passage 67. Open instantly. Then, the first pipe 61 of the external circulation path 60 communicates with the exhaust duct 65 via 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, and the exhaust passage 67. And is discharged from the exhaust port 66 through the exhaust duct 65. This damper operation functions similarly even if the user opens the door 12 during cooking. Therefore, the user can safely take out the object 90 to be heated from the heating chamber 20 without being exposed to steam.

  Hereinafter, the steam recovery method will be described in detail by taking, as an example, the surplus steam in the heating chamber 20 that is a feature of this embodiment. In addition to the surplus steam, it goes without saying that any steam that passes through the steam discharge passage 64 from the heating chamber 20 can be recovered.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a water supply path from the water tank 30 to the water level detection tank 39 and an exhaust path from the heating chamber 20 to the water level detection tank 39. In FIG. 5, the first water supply pipe 31 is omitted. In the present embodiment, the other end of the discharge passage 64 is located below the water level in the water level detection tank 39, and surplus steam from the heating chamber 20 is obtained by using the water level detection tank 39 as a heat exchanger. And recovery of the heat of the excess steam.

  In FIG. 5, the water is supplied from the water tank 30 to the water level detection tank 39 through the first to third water supply pipes 31 to 33 by the pump 35 under the control of the control device 80. Further, water is supplied from the water level detection tank 39 to the pot 41 through the fourth water supply pipe 34. On the other hand, surplus steam from the heating chamber 20 is supplied into the water level detection tank 39 via the discharge passage 64. The steam supplied into the water level detection tank 39 is discharged into the water in the water level detection tank 39 to form bubbles, and is cooled by exchanging heat with water. A part of the water is condensed to be condensed water and collected in the water level detection tank 39. Thus, the collected condensed water becomes part of the water for generating steam. The water in the water level detection tank 39 is heated by the condensation heat generated at that time, and the water in the water level detection tank 39 and thus the water in the pot 41 are preheated. Thus, the heat of the surplus steam (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as exhaust) from the heating chamber 20 is recovered.

  In this case, instead of using the water level detection tank 39 as a heat exchanger, the pot 41 of the steam generator 40 or the water tank 30 may be used as a heat exchanger. However, when the pot 41 is used as a heat exchanger, the water temperature in the pot 41 is 100 ° C., and the steam generating heater 42 may exist, so that the exhaust discharged from the discharge passage 64 is not sufficiently condensed. It is possible and not preferred. On the other hand, there is a concern that it is heated by the steam generating heater 42 and flows back into the heating chamber 20, which is not preferable. Similarly, when the discharge passage 64 comes out of the water surface, it may flow back into the heating chamber 20 through the discharge passage 64. Furthermore, when the hot exhaust is hidden in the hot water in the pot 41, the heat quantity of the exhaust cannot be efficiently recovered.

  On the other hand, when the detachable water tank 30 is used as a heat exchanger, the water temperature in the water tank 30 rises due to the heat recovered from the exhaust, and the water tank 30 itself becomes hot. When a user removes the water tank 30, there is a possibility of being burned, which is not preferable. Moreover, since the water level in the water tank 30 falls as cooking progresses, the discharge passage 64 may come out of the water surface. In that case, the exhaust gas cannot be condensed, which is not preferable. In addition, when the discharge passage 64 comes out of the water surface, high-temperature exhaust gas may leak out of the cabinet 10 through the space in the water tank 30, which is not preferable. Furthermore, since the water tank 30 is detachable by the user, the structure for immersing the tip end portion of the discharge passage 64 in water is complicated, and the number of man-hours for production increases. In addition, when the water tank is not removable (for example, when it is fixed or when the water tank is directly supplied to the water tank), the user is less likely to be burned by the water tank. However, since the factors that prevent its use are reduced, it becomes feasible.

  On the other hand, when the water level detection tank 39 is used as a heat exchanger, the water level detection tank 39 is installed in the vicinity of the pot 41 of the steam generator 40, and its volume is larger than that of the water tank 30. Pretty small. Therefore, when recovering the same amount of heat from the same amount of the exhaust gas, it is possible to quickly increase the temperature of the water inside the water level detection tank 39 having a small volume. There is an advantage that the amount of heat can be saved. Since the bottom of the water level detection tank 39 communicates with the bottom of the pot 41 via the fourth water supply pipe 34, the water temperature of the water level detection tank 39 is increased. However, water flowing out from the pot 41 to the water level detection tank 39 is water below the steam generating heater 42, and cold water is still supplied from the water tank 30 to the water level detection tank 39. The water temperature inside is sufficiently lower than that in the pot 41. Therefore, when the water level detection tank 39 is used as a heat exchanger, the problem that occurs when the pot 41 as described above is used as a heat exchanger does not occur.

  Incidentally, as described above, in the present embodiment, heat exchange is performed between the exhaust from the heating chamber 20 and water in the water level detection tank 39, but at that time, the condensed water cannot be obtained. Since the exhaust gas becomes bubbles and rises in the water and ruptures at the surface of the water, the surface of the water rippls. In that case, the water level sensor 43 may be erroneously detected. Therefore, it is necessary to devise a means for preventing the water surface from undulating due to the rising and bursting of the bubbles. Hereinafter, in each embodiment, various methods of heat exchange performed in the water level detection tank 39 including the above devices will be described.

First Embodiment FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which heat is exchanged between the water surface in the water level detection tank 39 and the water supplied through the third water supply pipe 33 in order to eliminate the generation of bubbles. It is.

  In FIG. 6, one end of the discharge passage 64 is connected to the position of the water surface in the water level detection tank 39. In this case, the position of the water surface of the water level detection tank 39 repeats up and down by evaporation and water supply. Therefore, the opening height of the connection end to the water level detection tank 39 in the discharge passage 64 is set to be higher than the water level control range by the water level sensor 43, and the water surface is always positioned within the opening end of the discharge passage 64. Make sure you do. The tip of the third water supply pipe 33 is connected to the side wall 92 side of the top plate 91 of the water level detection tank 39 to which the discharge passage 64 is connected.

  Further, the space on the water surface in the water level detection tank 39 extends from the side wall 92 of the water level detection tank 39 toward the side wall 93 opposite to the side wall 92, and the space is separated from the lower space on the water surface side. 3 A space separation plate 94 that separates into the upper space on the water supply port side of the water supply pipe 33 is disposed substantially parallel to the water surface. In that case, the front end portion of the space separation plate 93 is not in contact with the side wall 93, and the upper space and the lower space communicate with each other on the side wall 93 side. Further, the upper surface of the space separation plate 94 is provided with an inclination that descends from the side wall 92 side toward the side wall 93 side. An exhaust passage 95 for connecting the upper space to the exhaust duct 65 is connected to the upper space in the side wall 92.

  In the above configuration, when the water level sensor 43 detects that the water level in the pot 41 has fallen below the predetermined water level, the pump 35 is driven, and as shown by the solid line arrow in FIG. Water is supplied from the water supply port to the upper space. The supplied water flows down the upper surface of the space separation plate 94 toward the side wall 93 and falls from the tip of the space separation plate 93 to the water surface. On the other hand, the steam from the heating chamber 20 supplied to the water level detection tank 39 through the discharge passage 64 detects the water level from the opening end of the discharge passage 64 toward the side wall 93 as shown by the dashed line arrow in FIG. It flows along the water surface in the tank 39, enters the upper space from the tip of the space separation plate 93, flows in the upper space toward the side wall 92, and reaches the exhaust passage 95.

  At that time, heat exchange is performed between the exhaust gas flowing along the water surface in the water level detection tank 39 and the water in the vicinity of the water surface. Further, heat exchange is performed between the exhaust flowing in the upper space toward the side wall 92 and the supplied water flowing down the upper surface of the space separation plate 94 toward the side wall 93. The condensed water generated by the heat exchange with the water near the water surface becomes the water in the water level detection tank 39 as it is, and the condensed water generated by the heat exchange with the supplied water detects the water level together with the supplied water. It falls on the water surface of the tank 39. Thus, the steam from the heating chamber 20 is recovered as water for generating steam. Further, the water near the water surface is heated by the condensation heat due to heat exchange with the water near the water surface, and the supplied water is heated by the condensation heat due to the heat exchange with the water supplied. Thus, the heat of the steam from the heating chamber 20 is recovered as the temperature rise of the steam generating water.

  Further, the low-temperature exhaust gas that could not be condensed water by the heat exchange is discharged to the outside through the exhaust passage 95 and the exhaust duct 65 from the exhaust port 66. Therefore, the exhaust gas that cannot be condensed water by the heat exchange does not become bubbles in the water, and erroneous detection of the water level sensor 43 due to the ripple of the water surface in the water level detection tank 39 does not occur.

  In the present embodiment, the water level of the water level detection tank 39 is always located within the open end of the discharge passage 64. However, the water surface does not always need to be located in the opening end of the discharge passage 64, and may be below the position of the opening end of the discharge passage 64. However, in that case, it is necessary to prevent turbulent flow from occurring in the steam from the discharge passage 64 and the water surface from undulating.

  In the present embodiment, it is desirable to increase the area of the water surface in order to increase the efficiency of heat exchange between the steam from the discharge passage 64 and the water near the water surface of the water level detection tank 39.

Second Embodiment FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 in that the water level in the water level detection tank 39 and the water supplied via the third water supply pipe 33 are used to eliminate the generation of the bubbles. Heat exchange. The basic configuration and basic operation of the water level detection tank 39 in the present embodiment are the same as in FIG. 6, and the same members as those in FIG. 6 are assigned the same numbers as in FIG.

  In the said 1st Embodiment, since the water in the water level detection tank 39 in which heat exchange with the steam from the said heating chamber 20 is performed is limited to the water of the water surface vicinity, the efficiency of heat exchange is low. Therefore, in order to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange, it is necessary to increase the horizontal cross-sectional area of the water level detection tank 39, and the heating cooker becomes large.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the aluminum material 96 as the heat radiating material is disposed from the space separation plate 93 in the water level detection tank 39 to the water, and the steam and water level detection tank 39 from the heating chamber 20 is disposed. The efficiency of heat exchange with the water inside is increased. By doing so, the steam from the heating chamber 20 supplied to the water level detection tank 39 through the discharge passage 64 passes through the side wall from the opening end of the discharge passage 64 as shown by the dashed line arrow in FIG. It flows along the water surface in the water level detection tank 39 toward 93. At that time, since the steam (exhaust gas) touches the aluminum material 96, in addition to the heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the water near the water surface, between the exhaust gas and the aluminum material 96 and the aluminum material 96, Heat exchange is also performed with water in the water level detection tank 39.

  In this case, the condensation heat generated by heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the aluminum material 96 is transferred to the middle layer portion and the deep layer portion in the water level detection tank 39 through the aluminum material 96. Therefore, heat exchange between the aluminum material 96 and the water in the water level detection tank 39 is performed as a whole including the water in the middle layer and the deep layer in the water level detection tank 39. Therefore, the efficiency of heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the water in the water level detection tank 39 is enhanced as compared with the case of the first embodiment, and the expansion of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the water level detection tank 39 is suppressed. It can be done. The condensed water generated by the heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the aluminum material 96 becomes the water in the water level detection tank 39 as it is.

  FIGS. 7B and 7C are cross-sectional views taken along line AA ′ in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7B shows a case where the aluminum material 96 is formed of an aluminum foil 97 having pleats. In this case, since the aluminum foil 97 is thin, the aluminum foil 97 can be bent several times in the water level detection tank 39, and the contact area with the water in the water level detection tank 39 is increased by adding the presence of the pleats. Heat exchange efficiency can be improved. On the other hand, FIG. 7 (c) shows a case where the aluminum material 96 is composed of an aluminum plate 98 having a “U” cross section. In this case, since the aluminum plate 98 is thick, the thermal conductivity is good, and as a result, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the aluminum material 96 is used as the heat dissipation material, but the present invention is not limited to “aluminum”.

Third Embodiment FIG. 8 is a diagram in which the generation of the bubbles does not affect the detection of the water level. The same members as in FIG. 6 are assigned the same numbers as in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, one end side of the discharge passage 64 passes through the side wall 92 side of the top plate 91 of the water level detection tank 39 and is inserted into the water level detection tank 39, and the one end is slanted in a straight line. Has been. Then, the vertical height of the inclined surface 99 formed at the one end is set to be higher than the water level control range by the water level sensor 43, and the portion of the inclined surface 99 is placed on the water surface in the water level detection tank 39. Inserting. As described above, by providing the inclined surface 99 at one end of the discharge passage 64, the opening end of the discharge passage 64 is always stopped in the water of the water level detection tank 39 even if the height of the water surface in the water level detection tank 39 varies. be able to. Therefore, it can be reduced that the opening end of the discharge passage 64 is completely exposed from the water and the condensation efficiency of the exhaust gas from the heating chamber 20 is lowered.

  Furthermore, even if the height of the water surface in the water level detection tank 39 varies due to the presence of the inclined surface 99, a part of the opening end of the discharge passage 64 can always be exposed from the water surface. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a part of the exhaust from the heating chamber 20 from escaping into the air from the exhaust port 66 and to increase the pressure in the heating chamber 20.

  By the way, the location where one end side of the discharge passage 64 penetrates the top plate 91 of the water level detection tank 39 is the side wall 92 side of the top plate 91 as described above. At that time, the water level sensor 43 is inserted on the side wall 93 side of the top plate 91 facing the side wall 92. On the side of the side wall 93 in the water level detection tank 39, a partition plate 100 that partitions between the one end of the discharge passage 64 and the water level sensor 43 from the water surface to the middle layer portion is arranged to extend in the vertical direction. Further, the inclined surface 99 formed at one end of the discharge passage 64 is formed so as to face the side opposite to the partition plate 100 side, that is, the side wall 92 side.

  In the above configuration, the steam from the heating chamber 20 supplied to the water level detection tank 39 through the discharge passage 64 is discharged into the water from the portion of the inclined surface 99 formed at the one end of the discharge passage 64. The condensed water generated by heat exchange with the water in the water level detection tank 39 is collected in the water level detection tank 39. Furthermore, the water in the water level detection tank 39 is heated by the generated heat of condensation, and the water in the water level detection tank 39 and thus the water in the pot 41 are preheated. In this way, the steam from the heating chamber 20 is recovered as water for generating steam, and the heat of the steam from the heating chamber 20 is recovered as an increase in the temperature of water for generating steam.

  At that time, the exhaust gas that has not become condensed water rises into water from the inclined surface 99 at one end of the discharge passage 64 and bursts at the water surface. However, in the present embodiment, the partition layer 100 divides the one end of the discharge passage 64 and the water level sensor 43 from the water surface in the water in the water level detection tank 39 by the partition plate 100. Therefore, the waves generated on the water surface when the bubbles rise in the water and burst on the water surface are prevented from being blocked by the partition plate 100 and spreading to the water surface on the side wall 93 side. However, the inclined surface 99 is formed to face the side wall 92 side of the water level detection tank 39. Therefore, the bubbles are mainly discharged from the inclined surface 99 toward the side wall 92, that is, the side opposite to the partition plate 100 side. As a result, the waves themselves generated on the water surface due to the bubbles and reaching the partition plate 100 are reduced, and the influence on the detection value of the water level sensor 43 is greatly reduced.

-4th Embodiment This Embodiment collect | recovers the heat | fever of the vapor | steam from the said heating chamber 20 as a temperature rise of the water in the water level detection tank 39. FIG. FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the water level detection tank 39 in the present embodiment. The same members as in FIG. 6 are assigned the same numbers as in FIG.

  A heat exchange pipe 101 penetrating from the side wall 92 toward the side wall 93 facing the side wall 92 is disposed below the water surface in the water level detection tank 39. At that time, the heat exchange tube 101 is inclined so as to be slightly lowered from the side wall 93 side toward the side wall 92 side. One end of the discharge passage 64 is connected to the end portion of the heat exchange pipe 101 on the side wall 92 side, and an exhaust passage 95 for communicating with the exhaust duct 65 is connected to the end portion on the side wall 93 side. .

  In the above configuration, the steam from the heating chamber 20 supplied to the heat exchange pipe 101 through the discharge passage 64 exchanges heat with water in the water level detection tank 39. Then, the water in the water level detection tank 39 is heated by the generated heat of condensation, and the water in the water level detection tank 39 and thus the water in the pot 41 are preheated. Thus, the heat of the steam from the heating chamber 20 is recovered as the temperature rise of the steam generating water. The condensed water generated in the heat exchange pipe 101 flows down in the heat exchange pipe 101 and 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. On the other hand, the low-temperature steam that could not be condensed water is discharged from the exhaust port 66 to the outside through the exhaust passage 95 and the exhaust duct 65.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the water level detection tank 39 that is installed in the vicinity of the pot 41 of the steam generator 40 and whose volume is considerably smaller than that of the water tank 30 is used as a heat exchanger. . Therefore, compared with the case where the water tank 30 is used as a heat exchanger like the case of the said patent document 3, the temperature of the water in an inside can be raised rapidly. Although the bottom of the water level detection tank 39 communicates with the bottom of the pot 41 via the fourth water supply pipe 34, the water temperature in the water level detection tank 39 is sufficiently lower than that in the pot 41. Therefore, when the water level detection tank 39 is used as a heat exchanger, problems such as insufficient condensation and backflow into the heating chamber 20 due to heating of the steam generating heater 42 caused when the pot 41 is used as a heat exchanger are caused. It can be avoided.

  Furthermore, the water in the water level detection tank 39 is repeatedly heated by the exhaust from the heating chamber 20 that passes through the pipe 101 one after another. Therefore, compared with the said patent document 2 in which the water supplied to a steam generation container passes only the heat exchange part which consists of a part which exists in a cooking case among water absorption pipes, it is for steam generation. This water can be heated to a higher temperature.

  FIG. 10 shows a different configuration from FIG. 9 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 10, the discharge passage 64 is disposed in close contact with the side wall of the water level detection tank 39 and is arranged from the bottom of the water level detection tank 39 toward the top. The steam supplied from the heating chamber 20 to the discharge passage 64 exchanges heat with water in the water level detection tank 39 via the side wall of the discharge passage 64 and the side wall of the water level detection tank 39. Then, the water in the water level detection tank 39 is heated by the generated heat of condensation, and the water in the water level detection tank 39 and thus the water in the pot 41 are preheated. Thus, the heat of the steam from the heating chamber 20 is recovered as the temperature rise of the steam generating water. On the other hand, the low-temperature steam after releasing the heat of condensation is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 66 through the exhaust passage 95 and the exhaust duct 65.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the water for generating steam can be heated to a higher temperature than in the case of Patent Document 2 described above. In addition, the temperature of the water in the water level detection tank 39 can be quickly raised as compared with the case of Patent Document 3 above.

  In FIG. 10, the discharge passage 64 is simply arranged in the vertical direction along the side wall of the water level detection tank 39. However, if the periphery of the water level detection tank 39 is spirally wound, The efficiency of heat exchange can be increased.

  By the way, if only considering the case of condensing and recovering the steam discharged from the heating chamber 20, as an example, a radiation fin (not shown) is attached to the steam discharge passage 64, and one of the steam discharge passages 64 is provided. A collection passage (not shown) branched from the section is provided, and one end of the collection passage is communicated with the water tank 30 and the water level detection tank 39. Then, the steam may be condensed in the steam discharge passage 64 and the condensed water may be recovered from the recovery passage to the water tank 30 or the water level detection tank 39. In this case, it can be considered that the part to which the heat radiation fin is attached in the vapor discharge passage 64 becomes a condensing part, and the vapor discharge passage 64 also plays a role of condensing. Of course, a separate condensing unit (for example, a passage through which steam passes can be formed into a maze to make it easy to condense), and condensed water obtained by condensing in the condensing unit may be recovered.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where heat exchange is performed by the water level detection tank 39 has been described as an example, but the water level detection is performed in the water circuit formed between the water tank 30 and the pot 41. An auxiliary tank may be provided instead of the tank 39, and heat exchange may be performed in the auxiliary tank. Here, the water circuit in the present embodiment refers to a configuration including the water tank 30, the first to fourth water supply pipes 31 to 34, the water level detection tank 39 or the auxiliary tank and the pot 41. In this case, the auxiliary tank may have the same structure as the water level detection tank 39 except that the water level detection means is not provided. That is, the capacity of the auxiliary tank is made smaller than that of the water tank 30. Also with such a configuration, heat and water can be recovered from the steam passing through the steam discharge passage 64 from the heating chamber 20. In this case, the water level in the pot 41 may be dealt with by providing a water level detecting means in the pot 41.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, the case where it is the cooking-by-heating machine 1 which is provided with the said steam temperature rising chamber 50 and can heat the to-be-heated object 90 with the superheated steam from the steam temperature rising chamber 50 is demonstrated as an example. is doing. However, in the present invention, in the case of a heating cooker capable of switching between heating cooking using superheated steam and heating cooking using non-superheated steam, there is no steam heating chamber 50, and the object to be heated by non-superheated steam from the steam generator 40. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to the case of a heating cooker that heats.

It is an external appearance perspective view in the heating cooker of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the state which opened the door of the heating cooker shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the heating cooker shown in FIG. It is a control block diagram of the heating cooker shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline of the water supply path | route from a water tank, and the exhaust path from a heating chamber. It is sectional drawing of the water level detection tank in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the water level detection tank different from FIG. It is sectional drawing of the water level detection tank different from FIG. 6 and FIG. It is sectional drawing of the water level detection tank different from FIGS. It is a figure which shows the heat recovery structure of the exhaust_gas | exhaustion different from FIGS.

1 ... Heat cooker,
20 ... heating chamber,
28 ... Blower fan,
30 ... Water tank,
33, 34 ... water supply pipe,
35 ... pump,
39 ... Water level detection tank,
40 ... steam generator,
41 ... pot,
42 ... Steam generating heater (heating means),
43 ... Water level sensor,
44 ... Vapor suction ejector,
50 ... Steam heating chamber,
52 ... Steam heater,
60 ... External circuit,
64 ... Vapor discharge passage (discharge passage),
80 ... control device,
94 ... space separation plate,
95 ... exhaust passage,
96 ... aluminum material,
97 ... aluminum foil,
98 ... Aluminum plate,
99 ... inclined surface at the end of the discharge passage,
100 ... partition plate,
101 ... Heat exchange tube.

Claims (5)

A steam generator including a pot to which water is supplied, and heating means for heating the water in the pot;
A heating chamber for heating an object to be heated by steam supplied from the steam generator;
A condensing part for condensing at least part of the steam from the heating chamber;
One end is connected to the heating chamber, and includes a steam discharge passage that guides the steam from the heating chamber to the water or the water surface in the condensing unit,
Direct heat exchange is performed between the steam from the heating chamber and the water in the condensing unit , and the condensed water generated by the heat exchange is recovered as water used in the steam generator and the condensation generated by the heat exchange. A heating cooker characterized in that heat is recovered as thermal energy of the water for generating steam . A steam generator including a pot to which water is supplied, and heating means for heating the water in the pot;
A heating chamber for heating an object to be heated by steam supplied from the steam generator;
A water tank for storing water supplied to the pot;
A water level detection tank that is supplied with water from the water tank and has a water level sensor attached thereto, and communicates with a lower part of the pot to form a water surface at the same level as the water surface of the pot;
One end is connected to the heating chamber, and includes a steam discharge passage that guides the steam from the heating chamber to the water or the water surface in the water level detection tank,
Using the water level detection tank as a condensing unit, heat is directly exchanged between the steam from the heating chamber and the water in the water level detection tank, and the condensed water generated by the heat exchange is used as water to be used in the steam generator. is recovered, you recover heat of condensation caused by the heat exchanger as a heat energy of the water for the steam generator
Heating cooker which is characterized a call. The cooking device according to claim 2,
A space above the water surface in the water level detection tank extends from one side wall of the water level detection tank toward the other side wall opposite to the one side wall and substantially parallel to the water surface. A space separating plate that separates the space and an upper space located above the lower space, and is spaced apart from the other side wall to communicate the upper space and the lower space on the other side wall;
An exhaust duct,
One end is connected to the one side wall in the water level detection tank, and an exhaust passage for communicating the upper space in the water level detection tank with the exhaust duct;
One end is connected to the one side wall side of the top plate of the water level detection tank, and a water supply passage for supplying water in the water tank to the water level detection tank,
The other end of the vapor discharge passage is connected to the position of the lower space on the one side wall of the water level detection tank,
The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein a water surface in the water level detection tank is always located in an opening region of the other end in the steam discharge passage. The cooking device according to claim 3,
A heating cooker, wherein a heat radiating material is disposed from the space separating plate in the water level detection tank to the water. A steam generator including a pot to which water is supplied, and heating means for heating the water in the pot;
A heating chamber for heating an object to be heated by steam supplied from the steam generator;
A water tank for storing water supplied to the pot;
An auxiliary tank provided in a water circuit between the water tank and the pot , to which water is supplied from the water tank;
One end connected to the heating chamber, and a steam discharge passage for guiding steam from the heating chamber to the water or the water surface in the auxiliary tank,
Direct heat exchange is performed between the steam from the heating chamber and the water in the auxiliary tank using the auxiliary tank as a condensing unit, and the condensed water generated by the heat exchange is recovered as water used in the steam generator. together, you recover heat of condensation caused by the heat exchanger as a heat energy of the water for the steam generator
Heating cooker which is characterized a call.

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