JP3767575B2 - High-frequency heating device with steam generation function - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes high-frequency generating means for outputting a high frequency in a heating chamber that accommodates an object to be heated, and a steam supply mechanism that supplies steam to the heating chamber, and supplies at least one of the high frequency and the steam to the heating chamber. In particular, the present invention relates to a high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function for heat-treating an object to be heated, and more particularly, to an improvement for realizing simplification and downsizing of a structure of a steam supply mechanism.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A high-frequency heating device provided with high-frequency generating means for outputting a high frequency in a heating chamber that accommodates an object to be heated can efficiently heat the object to be heated in the heating chamber in a short time. It rapidly spread as a microwave oven.
[0003]
However, there are inconveniences such as a limited cooking range only by heating by high frequency heating.
[0004]
Therefore, a high-frequency heating device has been proposed in which an electric heater that generates heat in the heating chamber is added to enable oven heating. In recent years, a steam supply mechanism that supplies heating steam to the heating chamber has been added, and high-temperature steam has been added. There has been proposed a high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function that enables cooking by heating (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-54-115448 [0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the configuration of the above publication, a vaporizing chamber for generating heated steam is buried below the heating chamber, and water is always supplied from the water storage tank at a constant water level. Therefore, it is difficult to perform daily cleaning work around the heating chamber. Especially in the vaporization chamber, calcium, magnesium, etc. in the water are concentrated in the process of vapor generation, and settled and settled in the bottom of the vaporization chamber and in the pipe. As a result, there is a problem that an unsanitary environment in which molds and the like are easy to breed.
[0007]
In addition, as a method of introducing steam into the heating chamber, a method of generating steam by a heating means such as a boiler arranged outside the heating chamber and supplying the generated steam to the heating chamber can be considered. In particular, it is difficult to disassemble and clean the heating means because of the propagation of germs, breakage due to freezing, contamination due to rust, etc. In a cooking device that needs to be used, it is difficult to adopt a method of introducing steam from the outside.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and the steam generation part is easy to clean and can always be kept hygienic. In addition, by controlling the temperature of the steam generation part, the optimum amount of steam for food can be obtained. An object of the present invention is to provide a high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function that is generated and is downsized to improve heating efficiency.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generating function according to the present invention includes a high-frequency generating means for outputting a high frequency into a heating chamber that accommodates an object to be heated, and a steam supply that supplies the heating steam to the heating chamber. A high-frequency heating device with a steam generation function that supplies at least one of high-frequency and heating steam to the heating chamber and heats the object to be heated. A water storage tank equipped detachably, a water supply tray equipped in the heating chamber, and a heating means for heating the water supply tray and evaporating water on the water supply tray, the heating means being substantially U-shaped. A sheathed heater that is bent and molded into a shape is disposed, and water is dripped onto the surface of the water supply tray on the bent portion of the sheathed heater.
[0010]
In the high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function configured as described above, the sheathed heater is bent and formed into a substantially U shape, so that the steam supply mechanism having a relatively large output can be downsized and supplied. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of uneven heating due to the presence or absence of water. In addition, since the water supplied to the water supply tray is dropped and supplied to the water supply tray on the bent portion where the sheathed heater molded in a substantially U shape is likely to be relatively high in temperature, it is supplied to the water supply tray. The time required to generate steam can be shortened, and rapid steam heating becomes possible.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The high-frequency heating device with a steam generation function according to claim 1 of the present invention is a high-frequency generation means for outputting a high frequency into a heating chamber that houses an object to be heated, and a steam supply mechanism that supplies the heating steam into the heating chamber. A high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generating function for supplying heat to the heating chamber by supplying at least one of high-frequency and heating steam to the heating chamber, wherein the steam supply mechanism is detachable from the apparatus main body A water storage tank provided in the heating chamber, a water supply tray provided in the heating chamber, a heating means for heating the water supply tray and evaporating water on the water supply tray, and detecting the temperature of the heating means or the water supply tray. comprising a temperature sensor, the heating means is a sheath heater and molded bent in a substantially U-shape is disposed, the center of the molded the sheathed heater by bending a temperature sensor into a substantially U-shaped As well as installed in, by the structure where Ru a slit in the outer peripheral portion of the temperature detection sensor, a temperature sensor disposed in the assembly block, not only the heater temperature equipped the assembly block, this assembly It can be detected as a temperature lowered by the temperature of the water in the water supply tray in contact with the block. Furthermore, by providing a slit in the outer periphery of the temperature detection sensor installed at the center of the sheathed heater, the block temperature near the temperature detection sensor is less affected by the temperature of the adjacent sheathed heater, and the presence or absence of water in the water supply tray Can be detected more accurately.
[0012]
Further, the high frequency heating apparatus with steam generation function according to claim 2, in order to achieve the above object, the high frequency heating apparatus with steam generation function according to claim 1, wherein the steam supply mechanism, said heating means It is characterized in that a flexible material with high thermal conductivity is sandwiched between water supply trays and fixed tightly.
[0013]
In the steam supply mechanism, the aluminum die-casting block, which is a heating means, is closely fixed to the water supply tray, and heat is transferred to the water supply tray to generate steam, but both the aluminum die cast surface and the surface of the water supply tray are Since it is a metal, there are fine irregularities, and if an air layer is formed between them, a loss in conduction heat occurs. However, by interposing a highly flexible material with high thermal conductivity between each other, the air layer due to fine irregularities is eliminated, so that it is possible to provide a steam supply mechanism with low loss and accurate temperature detection. .
[0014]
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the high-frequency heating device with a steam generation function according to claim 3 is the high-frequency heating device with a steam generation function according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the steam supply mechanism has a temperature detection function. The sensor is inserted and fixed together with a material having high thermal conductivity into a hole provided in a heating means of an assembly block made of aluminum die cast.
[0015]
The temperature detection sensor arranged in the assembly block is inserted and fixed in the hole provided in the assembly block, and mainly detects the temperature of the heater block itself, but if there is a space between the sensor and the block, Responsiveness decreases due to the heat insulation effect of the space. However, it is possible to provide a steam supply mechanism that eliminates the space by inserting it together with a material having high thermal conductivity and more flexibility, and has a quick response to temperature detection.
[0016]
【Example】
Hereinafter, a high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0017]
(Example 1)
FIG.1 and FIG.2 is an external view of one Embodiment of the high frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function which concerns on this invention.
[0018]
The high-frequency heating apparatus 100 with a steam generation function of this embodiment is used as a microwave oven capable of high-frequency heating and heating with heating steam for cooking food, and a heating chamber that accommodates an object to be heated such as food 3 is provided with a high frequency generating means (magnetron) 5 for outputting a high frequency and a steam supply mechanism 7 for supplying heating steam into the heating chamber 3, and at least one of the high frequency and the heating steam is supplied to the heating chamber 3. Then, the object to be heated in the heating chamber 3 is heated.
[0019]
The heating chamber 3 is formed inside a box-shaped main body case 10 that is open on the front surface, and an opening / closing door 13 with a translucent window 13 a that opens and closes the heated object outlet of the heating chamber 3 is formed on the front surface of the main body case 10. Is provided. The open / close door 13 can be opened and closed in the vertical direction by the lower end being hinged to the lower edge of the main body case 10. By grasping the handle 13 b mounted on the upper part and pulling it toward the front, FIG. Can be shown open.
[0020]
A predetermined heat insulating space is secured between the wall surfaces of the heating chamber 3 and the main body case 10, and a heat insulating material is loaded in the space as necessary.
[0021]
In particular, the space behind the heating chamber 3 is a circulation fan chamber containing a circulation fan that stirs the atmosphere in the heating chamber 3 and a drive motor (not shown), and the rear wall of the heating chamber 3 is heated. The partition wall defines the chamber 3 and the circulation fan chamber.
[0022]
Although not shown, the partition wall 15, which is the rear wall of the heating chamber 3, has an intake vent hole for intake air from the heating chamber 3 side to the circulation fan chamber side, and the circulation fan chamber side to the heating chamber 3 side. A ventilation vent for blowing air is provided separately from the formation area. Each ventilation hole is formed as a large number of punch holes.
[0023]
In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the high-frequency generating means (magnetron) 5 is disposed in the space below the heating chamber 3 and is located at a position for receiving the high-frequency generated from the high-frequency heating device 5. Is provided with stirrer blades 17. The high frequency from the high frequency generating means 5 is irradiated to the rotating stirrer blade 17 so that the stirrer blade 17 supplies high frequency to the heating chamber 3 while stirring. Note that the high-frequency generating means 5 and the stirrer blade 17 are not limited to the bottom of the heating chamber 3, and can be provided on the upper surface or the side of the heating chamber 3.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, the steam supply mechanism 7 includes a water storage tank 21 that is detachably attached to the apparatus body, a water supply tray 25 that is installed in the heating chamber 3, and heats the water supply tray 25 to supply water. Heating means 27 for evaporating the water on the receiving tray 25, a receiving tray electric heating material 23 for transferring the heat of the heating means 27 to the water supply receiving tray 25, and water in the water storage tank 21 to the water supply receiving tray 25 via the heating area by the heating means 27. A water supply path 29 that leads, a tank-side connection port 22 that prevents the leakage of water in the water storage tank and the water supply path when the water storage tank 21 is removed and the water supply side. Water stop valve 45 and a check valve 47 disposed downstream of the water supply side water stop valve 45 and preventing reverse flow of water from the water supply passage 29 to the water storage tank 21.
[0025]
In addition, although the steam supply mechanism 7 showed the structure of the one system water supply path 29, it can also be set as the structure which supplies a water to a some water supply tray from a some water supply path, and generates a vapor | steam.
[0026]
In the present embodiment, the water storage tank 21 is a flat, rectangular parallelepiped cartridge that is easy to handle, can be easily attached to and detached from the apparatus main body (main body case 10), and is heated by heating in the heating chamber 3. As shown in FIG. 1, it is inserted into the tank storage portion 35 assembled on the side surface of the main body case 10 so as to be less susceptible to damage.
[0027]
The water storage tank 21 is formed of a transparent resin so that the remaining amount of water inside can be visually recognized, and scales 22 a indicating the remaining water level are provided on both side surfaces of the water storage tank 21. As shown in FIG. 7, the portion equipped with the scale 22 a is exposed to the outside through a notch window 37 formed at the front edge of the tank storage portion 35, and the water in the water storage tank 21 is left from the outside. The amount is made visible.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 4, the heating means 27 has a structure in which a sheathed heater 28 having a U-bend portion 28a bent in a substantially U-shape is assembled to an assembly block 27a made of aluminum die-casting. Even a heater having output power can be made small, and the water supply tray 25 can be made small. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of uneven heating due to the location where the supplied water is present and where the water is not present.
[0029]
The water supply tray 25 of the present embodiment is formed integrally with the bottom plate 4 by forming a recess for receiving water supply in a part of the bottom plate 4 of the heating chamber 3.
[0030]
The heating means 27 is a sheathed heater arranged in contact with the lower surface of the water supply tray 25. As shown in FIG. 6, the heater main body is attached to an assembly block 27a made of aluminum die cast that is attached in close contact with the back surface of the water supply tray 25. It is an assembled structure. In the case of the present embodiment, a thermistor 41 as a temperature detection sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating means 27 is connected between a pair of electrodes 27b and 27c at both ends of the heater extended from the assembly block 27a. As shown in FIG. 4, the heating means 27 is provided with a thermistor mounting block 43 having an insertion hole 44 for inserting the thermistor 41, and a slit portion 26 is formed around the thermistor mounting block 43.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 5, the thermistor 41 is mounted in the insertion hole 44 of the thermistor mounting block 43 between the straight pipe portions 28 b and 28 c of the sheathed heater. The thermistor heat transfer material 42 is embedded in the insertion hole 44, and the temperature of the thermistor mounting block 43 can be quickly transmitted to the thermistor 41. Moreover, since the slit part 26 is comprised in the circumference | surroundings of the thermistor attachment block 43, it becomes difficult to transmit the heat | fever of the sheathed heaters 28b and 28c to the thermistor attachment block 43, and becomes a structure which is easy to be influenced by the temperature of the water supply tray 25. ing. Further, since the tray electric heating material 23 is sandwiched between the water supply tray 25 and the mounting block 27a, not only the heat of the mounting block 27a can be easily transmitted to the water supply tray 25 but also the efficiency of steam generation is increased. The thermistor 41 can be surely transmitted the change in heat when the tray 25 is depleted of water and heated up. The detection signal of the thermistor 41 is monitored by a control circuit (not shown), and is used for detecting the remaining amount 0 of the water storage tank 21 and for controlling the operation of the heating means 27 (heat generation amount control).
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 8, when the thermistor 41 is supplied with water from the water storage tank 21 and the water supply tray 25 is filled with water, the detected temperature level increases as the temperature of the heating means 21 increases. However, when there is no water in the water supply tray 25 indicated by the symbol a in the figure, since the heating means 21 is energized, the detected temperature level rises rapidly and exceeds the upper reference value indicated by b.
[0033]
A control circuit (not shown) cuts off the power supply to the heating means 21 when the upper limit reference value is exceeded. Although there is an overshoot at this point, the detected temperature level of the thermistor 41 falls. Eventually, when the detected temperature level of the thermistor 41 reaches the lower limit reference value indicated by c, the control circuit again energizes the heating means 21 to heat the heater. However, since there is no water in the water supply tray 25, the detected temperature level of the thermistor 41 rises again and exceeds the upper reference value indicated by d. At this time, the control circuit determines that there is no water in the water supply tray 25 and that the heating means 21 is in an baked state, and as shown by e, the energization to the heating means 21 is cut off and an alarm is issued. Control to stop the steam heating process.
[0034]
In the present embodiment, as described above, with a single thermistor, it is possible to perform the generation control of the steam amount and to detect abnormality when water is lost in the water supply tray.
[0035]
In addition, the above-described control makes it possible to extend the life of the heater and to use the heater within the heat-resistant temperature of the water supply tray, thereby preventing deterioration of the fluororesin coating surface of the water supply tray.
[0036]
In the present embodiment, as described above, the cycle in which the heater is turned on and off is repeated, and when the thermistor detects the temperature at which the upper limit reference value is detected twice, it is determined that there is no water in the water supply tray. The determination is not limited to two times and may be performed by detecting a plurality of times.
[0037]
As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the water supply channel 29 includes a proximal end piping portion 29 a connected to the connection port 22 of the water storage tank 21, and a heating area by the heating means 27 from the proximal end piping portion 29 a. A horizontal piping portion 29b routed under the bottom plate 4 of the heating chamber 3 so as to pass through, a vertical piping portion 29c rising vertically from the front end of the horizontal piping portion 29b to the side of the heating chamber 3, and the vertical piping An upper pipe portion 29d extending from the upper end of the portion 29c to the upper side of the water supply tray 25 and dropping the water pumped from the vertical pipe portion 29c onto the water supply tray 25; and a water supply nozzle 29e forming the tip of the upper pipe portion 29d; Consists of
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal piping portion 29 b is piped so as to contact the assembly block 27 a of the heating means 27, and the contact portion 30 with the assembly block 27 a shown in FIG. 6 is heated by the heating means 27. It becomes an area.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the horizontal piping portion 29b of the water supply channel 29 is set as a heating area by the heating means 27 as described above, and each horizontal piping portion 29b that is thermally expanded by receiving heat conduction by the heat generated by the heating means 27. The water inside is supplied to each water supply tray 25.
[0040]
The state of steam generation will be described in more detail. When the water storage tank 21 is inserted into the tank housing portion 35 and the horizontal piping portion 29b is filled with water and the heating means 27 generates heat, the contact portion with the assembly block 27a. At 30, heat is supplied to the water in the pipe and the water expands. Since the check valve 47 temporarily stops the pressure of water in the expanding pipe, the pressure is directed only in the direction of the vertical pipe portion 29c. The expanded water passes through the upper piping portion 29d and is dropped from the water supply nozzle 29e and supplied to the water supply tray 25. The water supply nozzle 29e is provided on the upper side of the U-bend portion 28a bent in a substantially U shape of the sheathed heater 28, and is dripped and supplied to the water supply tray 25 on the bent portion where the temperature tends to be relatively high. It is possible to shorten the time required from the supply to 25 to the generation of steam.
[0041]
In addition, since the water supplied to the water supply tray 25 is in a state of being heated by the heat generated by the heating means 27, the time required from when it is supplied to the water supply tray 25 to the generation of steam can be shortened. Steam heating becomes possible.
[0042]
If the heating is interrupted, the water in the vertical piping portion 29c in the water supply channel 29 will not expand and cannot reach the air intake port 29f, so that atmospheric pressure enters the pipe from the air intake port 29f and the water supply is stopped.
[0043]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper end of the vertical piping part 29c to which the upper piping part 29d is connected is set to a position higher than the highest water level position _Hmax in the water storage tank 21. This is to prevent the water storage on the water storage tank 21 side from flowing out to the upper piping portion 29d side carelessly and continuously due to the communication pipe action.
[0044]
Further, the water supply passage 29 is connected to the water storage tank 21 via the proximal end piping portion 29a at a position further lower than the minimum water storage level Hmin in the water storage tank 21.
[0045]
This is because the water stored in the water storage tank 21 can be taken into the water supply channel 29 side without remaining.
[0046]
In the high-frequency heating apparatus 100 with the steam generating function described above, the heating means 27 is configured by assembling the sheathed heater 28 having the U-bend portion 28a bent in a substantially U shape into the assembly block 27a made of aluminum die cast. The structure can be made small even with a heater with relatively high output power, and the water supply tray 25 can be made small, so that there is a place where the supplied water is present and where there is no water and uneven heating is generated. Can be prevented.
[0047]
Further, the water supply nozzle 29e is provided on the upper side of the U-bend portion 28a bent in a substantially U shape of the sheathed heater 28, and is supplied dropwise to the water supply tray 25 on the bent portion that is likely to be relatively hot. The time required from the supply to the water supply tray 25 to the generation of steam can be shortened. Furthermore, since the water supplied to the water supply tray 25 is in a state of being heated by the heat generated by the heating means 27, the time required from the supply to the water supply tray 25 to the generation of steam can be shortened quickly. Steam heating is possible.
[0048]
In the above configuration, when the remaining amount of the water storage tank 21 becomes 0 (zero) and the remaining water amount on the water supply tray 25 decreases, the amount of heat consumed for water evaporation decreases, so the heating means 27 and the water supply tray A temperature increase of 25 itself occurs.
[0049]
However, since the steam supply mechanism 7 of the present embodiment includes the thermistor 41 that detects the temperature of the heating means 27, monitoring the detection signal of the thermistor 41 makes it relatively easy for the water storage tank 21 to It is possible to detect the remaining amount 0, and it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as emptying. The heating means 27 is provided with a thermistor mounting block 43 having an insertion hole 44 for inserting the thermistor 41, and a slit portion 26 is formed around the thermistor mounting block 43. It is difficult to transmit to the mounting block 43, and it is easy to be influenced by the temperature of the water supply tray 25, and it is possible to increase the detection accuracy of emptying. Further, a thermistor heat transfer material 42 is embedded in the insertion hole 44 of the thermistor 41, and the temperature of the thermistor mounting block 43 can be quickly transmitted to the thermistor 41. Further, since the tray electric heating material 23 is sandwiched between the water supply tray 25 and the mounting block 27a, not only the heat of the mounting block 27a can be easily transmitted to the water supply tray 25 but also the efficiency of generating steam is increased. The thermistor 41 can be surely transmitted the change in heat when the tray 25 is depleted of water and heated up.
[0050]
Further, by using the detection signal of the thermistor, for example, when the remaining amount of the water storage tank 21 is detected, various controls such as stopping the operation of the heating means 27 and issuing a water supply alarm are possible. The handleability of the heating device 100 can be improved.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
By providing a slit in the temperature detecting sensor peripheral portion to be installed in a central portion of the sheet Zuhita become block temperature near the temperature detecting sensor is hardly affected by the temperature of the adjacent sheathed heater, and more the presence of water of the water supply pan It becomes possible to detect accurately.
[0052]
In addition, by sandwiching a highly flexible material with high thermal conductivity between the aluminum die-cast block that is a heating means and the water supply tray, the heat transfer rate is improved because the air layer due to fine irregularities is eliminated, A steam supply mechanism with low loss and accurate temperature detection can be provided.
[0053]
In addition, by inserting a temperature detection sensor into a hole provided in the assembly block together with a material having high thermal conductivity and more flexibility, it is possible to eliminate the space and provide a steam supply mechanism with quick temperature response. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of a high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a state in which a door of a heating chamber of the high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function shown in FIG. Fig. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram when the heating chamber is viewed from the front. Fig. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a steam supply mechanism in the high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic configuration of heating means in the steam supply mechanism. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting structure of the heating means shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a structure in which the water supply path is heated by the heating means arranged at the bottom of the apparatus. Explanatory drawing of the mounting structure on the device side of the steam supply mechanism [FIG. 8] A diagram explaining evaporation amount control and abnormality detection by the thermistor [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Heating chamber 4 Bottom plate 5 High frequency generating means 7 Steam supply mechanism 13 Opening / closing door 15 Partition wall 17 Stirrer blade 21 Water storage tank 22 Connection port 23 Receptacle heat transfer material 25 Water supply tray 26 Slit part 27 Heating means 27a Assembly block 28 Seeds heater 28a U bent portion 29 Water supply path 29a Base end piping portion 29b Horizontal piping portion 29c Vertical piping portion 29d Upper piping portion 29e Water supply nozzle 35 Tank housing portion 41 Thermistor (temperature detection sensor)
42 Thermistor Heat Transfer Material 43 Thermistor Mounting Block 45 Pipe Side Water Stop Valve 47 Check Valve

Claims (3)

A high-frequency generating means for outputting a high frequency into a heating chamber that accommodates an object to be heated, and a steam supply mechanism that supplies heating steam into the heating chamber, and at least one of the high frequency and the heating steam is supplied to the heating chamber. A steam generating function-equipped high-frequency heating apparatus that heats the object to be heated, wherein the steam supply mechanism is a water storage tank that is detachably mounted on the apparatus body, a water supply tray that is mounted in the heating chamber, Heating means for heating the water supply tray to evaporate water on the water supply tray, and a temperature detection sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating means or the water supply tray , the heating means being bent into a substantially U shape and molded set with a slit on the outer periphery of the temperature detecting sensor and a sheathed heater arranged was, by bending a temperature sensor in a substantially U-shape is placed in the central portion of the molded the sheathed heater Configuration and the high frequency heating apparatus with steam generation function that.   The high-frequency heating apparatus with a steam generation function according to claim 1, wherein the steam supply mechanism sandwiches and fixes a flexible material having high thermal conductivity between the heating means and the water supply tray. . The steam supply mechanism is characterized in that the temperature detection sensor is inserted and fixed together with a flexible material having high thermal conductivity in a hole provided in a heating means of an assembly block made of aluminum die cast. 3. A high-frequency heating device with a steam generation function according to 1 or 2 .

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