JPH09327379A - Steamer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To humidify and heat a foodstuff up to the inside thereof without impairing taste by laying a steam injection means inserted in the foodstuff, and internally heating the foodstuff with steam ejected from the steam injection means to the inside thereof. SOLUTION: This steamer has a stem injection tube 3 capable of being inserted in a Chinese style bun 2, and a steam generator 4 for feeding high temperature steam to the injection tube 3. Steam is ejected from the steam injection 3 to the inside of the bun 2, thereby internally humidifying and heating the bun 2. In this case, the steam injection tube 3 has a lower end connected to the steam generator 4 in a lower casing via a joint member, and an upper end projected approximately vertically over the prescribed length to a bun placement part in an upper enclosure. The steam injection tube 3 is made of a needle type tube having rigidity. Also, the forward edge 31 of the tube 3 is closed and cut to have a sharp end for easy insertion in the bun 2. A plurality of steam ejection holes 33 are formed on the side of the insertion part 32 of the steam injection tube 2 to be inserted in the bun 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steamer for humidifying and heating food such as Chinese steamed bun with steam.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The conventional humidification heating method for selling Chinese steamed buns is to put the Chinese steamed buns in a net-shelf type humidifier, make steam with a water heater at the bottom, and fill the steam in the humidifiers. It is in a state of selling products that have been humidified and heated for 10 to 30 minutes.

[0003]

However, in the conventional steamer described above, the high temperature steam only contacts the outer surface of the Chinese bun, and the heat is gradually transferred from the outer surface of the Chinese bun to the inside. Since it is only heated, it takes too long to heat the contents of Chinese bun. for that reason,
It was inconvenient that we could not start humidification heating on the spot when the customer came.

Further, since the Chinese buns are humidified and heated for a long time, the freshness of the buns is lowered, and the outer skin, which is exposed to water vapor for a long time, becomes sticky and the taste is deteriorated. There is also a problem that the water content of the epidermis becomes too large and wrinkles occur.

Furthermore, in order to generate steam for a long time,
There was a problem that the thermal efficiency was poor and the fuel cost and electricity cost were too high.

On the other hand, if a microwave oven is used, it can be heated in a short time.
The taste is significantly reduced.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a steamer capable of humidifying and heating the inside in a short time without impairing the taste.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is provided with a steam injecting means that can be inserted into a food, and the steam is ejected from the steam injecting means into the food. Is characterized in that it is humidified and heated from the inside.

As the food to be steamed, any food suitable for humidification and heating can be applied. For example, it is applicable to various foods such as Chinese steamed bun, steamed sweets, rice balls, sweet buns, and sweet mai.

According to the present invention, high temperature steam is injected into the food through the steam injection means. The injected high temperature steam is diffused inside the low temperature food by the injection pressure,
A suitable amount of water is supplied to the inside of the food and the food is heated, and the entire food is humidified and heated to the temperature at the time of eating.

Since high-temperature steam is directly injected into the food as described above, the food can be humidified and heated to the inside in an extremely short time. Therefore, even if the humidification heating is started after receiving the order from the customer, the humidification heating can be performed in a short time, and the food with good freshness can be provided to the customer.

Further, since the entire food is heated while being supplied with an appropriate amount of water, it is possible to provide a food which is not sticky and has a plump taste.

A plurality of steam outlets are opened at the insertion portion of the steam injection means to be inserted into food.

According to this structure, the steam is jetted from the steam jet port in a plurality of directions, and the entire food can be efficiently humidified and heated.

If the steam injection means is provided with a steam generating means for supplying high temperature steam, the steam can be automatically supplied.

The steam generating means is a means for supplying water to a heating portion which has been heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point of water and instantaneously boiling the water to generate steam.

By doing so, since it is only necessary to supply the minimum amount of water necessary for humidifying and heating the food, it is possible to save water and to reduce the amount of heat required for boiling. Also,
It can be boiled in a very short time.

The steam generating means is characterized by comprising a steam pot, heating means for heating the steam pot, and water supply means for supplying water to the heating portion of the steam pot.

The pressure in the steam pot increases due to the steam generated in the steam pot, and the steam is injected into the food from the steam injecting means.

The water supply means is provided with a control valve for controlling the amount of water supplied to the steam kettle to a predetermined amount.

By adjusting the amount of water, the water content of the steamed food can be adjusted to a desired amount and can be adjusted to an appropriate amount according to the type of food.

The heating means is characterized in that the steam oven is always preheated to a predetermined temperature lower than the steaming temperature to shorten the rising time during the steaming operation.

By preheating in this way, the temperature can be raised to a predetermined temperature more quickly.

Further, if the lid for sealing the food is provided, the steam that has escaped from the outer periphery of the food does not escape, and the food can be humidified and heated more efficiently.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a steamer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes the whole steamer, and in the present embodiment, a case where the Chinese steamed bun 2 is humidified and heated as food will be described as an example. Chinese buns are frozen or chilled and cooked, and sold at stores after humidification and heating.

The steamer 1 comprises a steam injection pipe 3 as a steam injection means that can be inserted into the Chinese steamed bun 2 and a steam generator 4 as a steam generation means for supplying high temperature steam to the steam injection pipe 3. As shown in principle in FIG. 1, the steam injection pipe 3 ejects steam into the Chinese bun 2 to heat the Chinese bun 2 from the inside.

This embodiment is of a stationary type, and its outer shape is, as shown in FIG. 3, provided on an inner hollow lower housing 5 with legs 51 on the bottom, and on the side of the upper surface of the lower housing 5 on the side of the hand. An operation panel 6 and an upper enclosure 7 provided on the upper surface of the lower enclosure 5 on the back side of the operation panel 6 are provided, and the steam generator 4 is installed in the lower enclosure 5.

In this embodiment, a plurality of Chinese buns 2, three Chinese buns 2 in the illustrated example, can be steamed simultaneously,
With the steam injection pipe 3 and the steam generator 4 as one set, a plurality of sets of the steam injection pipe 3 and the steam generator 4 are provided, and three sets are provided in the illustrated example. Since the steam injection pipe 3 and the steam generator 4 of each set have exactly the same configuration, only one set of the steam injection pipe 3 and the steam generator 4 will be described.

An outer cover 8 is provided on the front surface of the upper housing 7 to hermetically seal the space inside the upper housing 7 to prevent invasion of external dust and dirt.
Is provided so as to be openable and closable up and down via a hinge portion 81. The front cover 8 is provided with a window of a transparent panel 82 so that the inside can be viewed.

Further, in the upper housing 7, there are provided as many Chinese bun placing portions 10 on which the Chinese buns 2 are placed, and the Chinese bun placing portions 10 are set in the Chinese bun placing portions 10. An inner lid 11 is provided as a cover to cover the 2. The inner lid 11 is configured such that the front side can be opened and closed vertically via a hinge portion 11a at the rear end.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lower end of the steam injection pipe 3 is connected to the steam generator 4 in the lower housing 5 via the joint member 12, and the upper end thereof is made of the Chinese food in the upper housing 7. It projects substantially perpendicularly to the bun placement portion 10 by a predetermined length.

The steam injection tube 3 is constituted by a rigid needle-like tube such as an injection needle, and the tip surface 31 thereof is closed and cut into an acute angle so that it can be easily inserted into the Chinese bun 2. There is. A plurality of steam outlets 33 are provided on the side surface of the insertion portion 32 that is inserted into the Chinese bun 2 of the steam injection pipe 3. In this embodiment, a plurality of steam ejection ports 3 provided at predetermined intervals in the axial direction.
3 are provided in a plurality of rows in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, three steam outlets 33 are provided in the axial direction in a total of six symmetrically about the central axis.

It is desirable that the vapor injection pipe 3 be thin so that the traces are not conspicuous. In this embodiment, the diameter is 3
It is set to about [mm]. If it is set to about 3 [mm], it can be hardly confirmed because it is blocked even after it is pulled out. The diameter of the steam ejection port 33 depends on the diameter of the steam injection pipe 3, but is set to about 0.3 to 0.4 [mm] in the present embodiment. Of course, the size and shape of the steam injection pipe 3 and the steam outlet 33 are not limited to this, and the Chinese bun 2
Appropriate size is selected according to the type and material of the food.

Further, in this embodiment, the steam injection pipe 3 has a rigid structure over the entire length, but at least only the insertion portion 32 to be inserted into the Chinese steamed bun 2 should have rigidity.

The steam generator 4 is a steam pot 4 as a heating unit.
2, a water supply system 43 as a water supply means for supplying water to the steam kettle 42, and a heater H as a heating means for heating the steam kettle 42. It is designed to supply water and boil instantaneously to generate steam.

The steam cauldron 42 is a cauldron main body 42 having an upper opening.
1 and a pot lid 422 for sealing the upper opening of the pot main body 421 to form a steam chamber inside. The bottom wall portion of the pot main body 421 serves as a heating portion 41, and a heater H for heating the heating portion 41 is provided on the lower surface of the heating portion 41. Further, the pot main body 421, including the heater H, is held at its outer periphery in a holding case 424 via a heat insulating material 423, and is attached to a support base 52 provided in the lower housing 5. Further, a temperature fuse FH is provided on the lower surface of the heating unit 41 constituted by the bottom of the pot main body 421 and adjacent to the heater H so as to melt and cut off energization to the heater H when the temperature rises above a predetermined temperature. Has been. Further, although not shown, a thermostat as a temperature sensor for keeping the temperature at the time of preheating constant is provided at an appropriate place.

Further, in the shuttle body 421,
A water receiving tray 425 is provided in contact with the bottom. The water receiving tray 425 can be removed and washed.

On the other hand, a joint member 426 to which the lower end of the above-mentioned steam injection cylinder 3 is connected to the pot lid 422 and the steam pot 42.
A safety valve 427 that releases the pressure when the pressure inside becomes excessive,
An inlet 428 for supplying water is provided.
The safety valve 427 opens to release the pressure when the internal pressure of the steam tank 42 becomes higher than the external pressure by a predetermined pressure or more.
In the illustrated example, the valve opening pressure is set by the dead weight of the valve body and the spring load that pushes the valve body in the valve closing direction.

The water supply system 43 is arranged in the lower housing 5, and constitutes a water supply tank 431 for storing water and a water injection passage connecting the water supply tank 431 and the water injection port 428 provided in the steam tank 42. And a solenoid valve S as a control valve that is provided in the middle of the water injection pipe 432 and that controls the opening and closing of the water injection passage. Water tank 43
1 is provided with a water level gauge 433 for checking the water level in the tank. When the water becomes low, the water spout 4 at the upper part of the tank 431 is provided.
Water is supplied to the tank from 34. The water spout 434 is provided on the operation panel 6. A water drain plug 435 is provided at the bottom of the tank.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the control circuit of the steamer of this embodiment.

That is, it is connected to an AC power source through a power plug (PLG) and has three heaters (H) for each Chinese bun.
1), (H2), and (H3) are connected in parallel via an electric breaker (ELB). Each heater (H1), (H
Thermostats (TH1), (TH2), (TH3) and temperature fuses (FH1), (FH2), (FH3) as temperature sensors are connected in series to 2) and (H3), respectively. On the other hand, each heater (H1), (H
2), (H3) thermostat (TH1), (TH
2) and (TH3) in parallel with the normally open contact of the main relay (RX0) and the first to third relays (RX1) and (RX).
2), (RX3) normally open contacts are connected.

Further, the first to third relays (RX1) to (RX3) and the respective solenoid valves (S1) are provided via the normally open contact of the main relay (RX0) and the normally closed contact of the water injection off timer (T1). (S3) are connected in parallel.

The main relay (RX0) includes a normally closed contact of the steaming time timer (T0), a normally open operation start switch (PB0), and a normally closed operation stop switch (PBS0).
Are connected in series, and the operation start switch (PB
0) connected in parallel with the main relay (RX0) ON
It is designed to hold its own state.

The main relay (RX0), the steaming time timer (T0), the water-off timer (T1) and the start indicator lamp (LO) are connected in parallel.

On the other hand, the first, second and third relays (RX
1), (RX2), (RX3) are steaming time timers (T
0) normally closed contact and steam selection switches (PB1), (PB1)
B2), (PB3) are connected in series, and each steaming selection switch (PB1), (PB2), (PB3) is connected in parallel with the normally open contact of each relay (RX1), (RX2), (RX3). The relays (RX1) to (RX3) are self-maintained in the ON state. The selection lamps (L1) to (L3) selected by steaming are connected in parallel to the relays (RX1), (RX2), and (RX3), respectively.

The operation start switch (PB
0), operation stop switch (PBS0), start indicator light (L0), steaming time timer (T0), each steaming selection switch (PB1 to PB3) and selection indicator light (L1 to L3)
Is provided on the operation panel 6.

Next, the operating procedure of the steamer will be described.

First, tap water is poured into the water supply tank 431 up to the upper limit level.

Next, the time of the steaming time timer (T0) is set (10 to 20 [sec]), and the time of the tap water injection timer (T1) is set (1 to 2 [sec]). The water injection amount can be adjusted by changing the water injection time, the water content of the steamed food can be adjusted to a desired amount, and the water content can be adjusted to an appropriate amount according to the type of food.

When the power plug (PLG) of the main body is inserted into the outlet and the earth leakage breaker (ELB) is turned on,
For about 10 minutes, the heaters (H1) to (H3) are energized through the thermostats (TH1) to (TH3), and the heaters (H1) to (H3) are turned on and off according to predetermined ON / OFF states of the thermostats (TH1) to (TH3). Preheated to temperature.

With the above, the preparation is completed.

Next, the outer cover 8 of the upper housing 7 is opened.

Next, the inner lid 11 of each Chinese bun resting portion 10 in the upper housing 5 is opened, and the Chinese bun 2 is inserted into the tip of the steam injection cylinder 3 protruding from each Chinese bun resting portion 10, and the inner lid 11 is inserted. Close.

When the steaming selection buttons (PB1 to PB3) set with the Chinese steamed bun 2 are pressed, the indicator lights LL1 to L3 are turned on, and at the same time, the respective first to third relays (RX1) to (RX).
3) is turned on, the on state is maintained by itself, and each indicator (L
The lighting states of 1) to (L3) are retained.

Next, the steaming operation start switch (PB
When 0) is pressed, the main relay (RX0) is turned ON and the ON state is maintained by itself. At the same time, indicator light (L0)
Lights up and the solenoid valves (S1 to S3) are operated for 1 to 2 [sec] to inject tap water into the steam tank 42.

At the same time, the heaters (H1) to (H3) are set to (TH
1) to (TH3), the main relay (RX0) and the first to third relays (RX1) to (RX)
The continuous energization from 3) is switched to, and the injected tap water is rapidly heated to generate steam. By preheating in this way, the rising time during the steaming operation can be shortened.

The pressure inside the steam cauldron 42 is increased by the steam pressure, and the steam is jetted from the steam outlet 429 of the joint member 426 through the passage in the steam injection cylinder 3 to the Chinese bun 2 through the steam jet port 33. Manju 2 steams up from the inside,
Chinese buns are ready for hot eating. The steaming time is preferably set to about 10 to 30 [sec] after steam is ejected, and can be appropriately adjusted depending on the size and type of the Chinese bun 2.

When the steaming time timer (T0) expires, the main relay (RX0) is turned off and the steaming operation start indicator light (L0) is turned off. When the steaming operation start indicator light (L0) goes out, the outer cover 8 of the upper housing 7
Then, each inner lid 11 is opened and the steamed Chinese bun 2 is taken out. Three Chinese buns are steamed at the same time, and the steaming time is the same even if the number increases.

When it is desired to forcibly stop the operation during steaming, the steam stop switch (PBS0) is pressed to turn off the main relay (RX0).

During preheating except when steaming Chinese bun is started, heaters (H1) to (H3) are intermittently turned on and off by thermostats (TH1) to (TH3) to save power. .

When the steam pressure in the steam tank 42 rises above a predetermined pressure, the safety valve 427 opens and the pressure is automatically released.

Further, temperature fuses (FH1) to (FH3) are attached to the heaters (H1 to H3) to cut off the power supply when the temperature rises excessively.

Regarding the control of each heater, instead of the thermostat as described above, the temperature may be sequentially detected by a temperature sensor to accurately control the temperature during preheating and during continuous lighting. Is not limited.

According to the steamer of the present embodiment, high temperature steam is injected into the Chinese bun 2 through the steam injection pipe 3. The injected high temperature steam is diffused into the low temperature Chinese bun 2 by the injection pressure, an appropriate amount of water is supplied to the inside of the Chinese bun 2 and heated, and the entire Chinese bun 2 is humidified and heated up to the edible temperature.

Since high-temperature steam is directly injected into the Chinese steamed bun 2 in this manner, for example, 10 to 30 [sec].
It is possible to heat humidification in a very short time,
Even if the steaming operation is started after receiving the order from the customer, there is almost no waiting time, and the Chinese bun 2 with good freshness can be provided to the customer.

Further, since the whole Chinese bun 2 is heated while being appropriately supplied with a proper amount of water, it is possible to provide a fluffy and savory product with no sticky skin.

Since a plurality of steam outlets 33 are opened in the insertion portion 32 of the steam injection pipe 2 to be inserted into food, steam is ejected from the steam outlet 33 in a plurality of directions, so that the entire Chinese bun 2 is efficiently supplied. Can be well humidified and heated.

In particular, since the Chinese bun 2 is covered with the inner lid 11, there is no escape of water vapor that has escaped from the Chinese bun, and the Chinese bun can be humidified and heated more efficiently.

Further, in the present embodiment, water is supplied to the heating portion 41 which has been heated to a high temperature in advance to evaporate by supplying the necessary amount of water, so that the amount of water used can be saved and the amount of heat required for boiling can be reduced. Complete. Also, it can be boiled in an extremely short time.

In the above embodiment, the Chinese steamed bun was described as an example of the food to be steamed, but it is applicable to various foods suitable for humidification and heating, such as steamed sweets, rice balls, sweet breads, and sweets. is there. In the above-described embodiment, the cooked food that has once been cooked is reheated, but it may be used for cooking in some cases.

A plurality of steam injection cylinders 3 may be provided and inserted into a plurality of Chinese buns to eject steam.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, the inside of the food is directly humidified and heated by inserting the steam injecting means into the inside of the food and ejecting the steam. The food can be humidified and heated to the inside. Therefore, even if the humidification heating is started after receiving the order from the customer, the humidification heating can be performed in a short time, and the food with good freshness can be provided to the customer.

Further, since the entire food is heated while being supplied with an appropriate amount of water, it is possible to provide a product which is not sticky to the epidermis and has a plump taste.

Further, if a plurality of steam outlets are provided at the inserting portion of the steam injecting means to be inserted into food, steam can be ejected from the steam outlet in a plurality of directions, and the entire food can be efficiently humidified and heated.

Further, if the steam generating means is constructed so as to supply water to the heating part and instantaneously boil to generate steam, only the minimum amount of water necessary for humidifying and heating the food need be supplied. Therefore, it is possible to save water, the amount of heat required for boiling is small, and it is possible to boil in an extremely short time.

If this steam generating means is provided with a steam pot, a heating section provided in the steam pot, and water supply means for supplying water to the steam pot, the steam generated in the steam pot The steam pressure in the steam increases the pressure in the steam pot, and steam is automatically injected into the food from the steam injection means.

If the water supply means is provided with a control valve for controlling the amount of water supplied to the steam kettle to a predetermined amount, the water content of the steamed food can be adjusted to a desired amount by adjusting the amount of water. It can be adjusted to an appropriate amount according to the type.

If the heating means is always preheated to a predetermined temperature lower than the steaming temperature of the steam oven and the rising time during the steaming operation is shortened, the temperature can be raised to the predetermined temperature more quickly. .

Further, if the cover for covering the food is provided, the steam that has escaped from the outer periphery of the food does not escape, and the food can be humidified and heated more efficiently.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a steamer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a steamer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 shows the entire structure of the steamer shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 (a) is a plan view, FIG. 3 (b) is a front view, and FIG. 3 (c) is a partially cutaway right side view. Is.

4 is an electric circuit diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 (a) is a circuit diagram of a heater and a solenoid valve portion, and FIG. 4 (b) is a circuit diagram of each relay portion.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steamer 2 Chinese steamed bun 3 Steam injection pipe 31 Tip surface 32 Insertion part 33 Steam ejection port 4 Steam generator 41 Heating part 42 Steam pot 421 Pot body 422 Pot lid 43 Water supply system 431 Water tank 432 Water supply pipe 10 Chinese steamed dumpling placement part 11 Inner lid H heater S solenoid valve

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 20, 1996

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

[Fig. 2]

[Figure 3]

FIG. 4

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A steamer, comprising steam injection means to be inserted into the inside of the food, and steam being jetted from the steam injection means to the inside of the food to heat the food from the inside. 2. The steamer according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of steam outlets are opened at an inserting portion of the steam injecting means to be inserted into food. 3. The steamer according to claim 1, further comprising steam generating means for supplying steam to the steam injecting means. 4. The steamer according to claim 3, wherein the steam generating means is a means for supplying water to a preheated heating part to instantaneously boil the steam to generate steam. 5. The steam generating means comprises a steam pot, heating means for heating the steam pot, and water supply means for supplying water to the steam pot. The steamer according to 4. 6. The steamer according to claim 5, wherein the water supply means is provided with a control valve for controlling the amount of water supplied to the steam pot to a predetermined amount. 7. The steamer according to claim 5, wherein the heating means constantly preheats the steam pot to a predetermined temperature lower than the steaming temperature to shorten the rising time during the steaming operation. 8. The steamer according to claim 1, further comprising a cover for covering food.