Cooking device

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker capable of heating food by a more appropriate method in a steam cooking process.SOLUTION: The heating cooker includes a heating chamber for storing food, a heating part for heating the food stored in the heating chamber, a steam generator for generating steam, and a steam passage for passing the steam generated by the steam generator. The steam cooker includes a steam supply part for supplying steam to a heating chamber through a steam supply port in a wall surface of the heating chamber, a guide member for guiding a flow of the steam in a steam flow passage, a drive part for driving the guide member, and a control part for controlling a heating part, a steam generator and the drive part, and changes a blowing direction of the steam from the steam supply port by driving the guide member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking device for heating food. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, cooking devices that heat and cook food placed in a heating chamber have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The cooking device of Patent Document 1 is equipped with a microwave generator and a steam generator, and in addition to the function of cooking using microwaves, it has the function of supplying steam generated by the steam generator to a heating chamber to steam cook food in the heating chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-176619 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, it would be desirable to be able to heat food in a more optimal manner during the steam cooking process.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and to provide a cooking device that can heat food in a more appropriate manner during a steam cooking process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the heating cooker of the present disclosure comprises a heating chamber that accommodates food, a heating unit that heats the food accommodated in the heating chamber, a steam generating device that generates steam, a steam supply unit that has a steam flow path through which the steam generated by the steam generating device passes and that supplies steam to the heating chamber through a steam supply port in the wall of the heating chamber, a guide member that guides the flow of steam in the steam flow path, a drive unit that drives the guide member, and a control unit that controls the heating unit, the steam generating device, and the drive unit, and changes the direction in which steam is blown out from the steam supply port by driving the guide member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, food can be heated in a more suitable manner during the steam cooking process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a cooking device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cooking device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of a steam supply port and a steam supply unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a peripheral structure of a vapor supply unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a peripheral structure of a vapor supply unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the peripheral structure of a vapor supply unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first member according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first member according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of a guide member according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a front view of a guide member according to a first embodiment; [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure around the steam supply port when the position of the guide member is different. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure around the steam supply port when the position of the guide member is different. [Figure 11C] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure around the steam supply port when the position of the guide member is different. [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a cooking device when the position of the guide member is different. [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a cooking device when the position of the guide member is different. [Figure 12C] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a cooking device when the position of the guide member is different. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by the cooking device of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a steam supply unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a steam supply unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a steam supply unit according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating cooker comprising: a heating chamber for accommodating food; a heating unit for heating the food accommodated in the heating chamber; a steam generating device for generating steam; a steam supply unit having a steam flow path through which steam generated by the steam generating device passes and supplying steam to the heating chamber via a steam supply port in a wall surface of the heating chamber; a guide member for guiding the flow of steam in the steam flow path; a drive unit for driving the guide member; and a control unit for controlling the heating unit, the steam generating device, and the drive unit, wherein the direction in which steam is blown out from the steam supply port is changed by driving the guide member.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating cooker according to the first aspect, wherein the steam supply section has a constriction section that relatively narrows the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam flow path, and the guide member guides the flow of steam passing through the constriction section.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the cooking device according to the second aspect, wherein the guide member is disposed in the narrowed portion.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating cooker as described in the second or third aspect, wherein the inner periphery of the constricted portion has a first inner periphery and a second inner periphery facing each other, and the guide member is movable between a first position approaching the first inner periphery and a second position approaching the second inner periphery.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating cooker as described in the fourth aspect, wherein the inner circumferential portion has a third inner circumferential portion and a fourth inner circumferential portion that connect the first inner circumferential portion and the second inner circumferential portion to each other, and the length in a direction along the first inner circumferential portion and the second inner circumferential portion is longer than the length in a direction along the third inner circumferential portion and the fourth inner circumferential portion.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cooking device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the drive unit rotates the guide member around a rotation axis extending across the steam flow path.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the cooking device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the drive unit is a motor that rotates the guide member.

[0017] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating cooker according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the guide member has a first main surface and a second main surface that are aligned with the flow of steam in the steam flow path, and has a tapered shape in which the distance between the first main surface and the second main surface becomes shorter along the direction of steam flow.

[0018] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the cooking device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the steam supply port is provided on a side surface of the heating chamber.

[0019] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cooking device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the steam supply port is a long hole whose vertical dimension is longer than its horizontal dimension, and the guide member is driven to change the flow of steam upward and downward.

[0020] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the cooking device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the steam supply port has a pair of vertical sides extending linearly along the vertical direction.

[0021] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cooking device according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein the steam supply port has an upper edge that is smoothly curved so as to be convex upward and a lower edge that is smoothly curved so as to be convex downward, and the lower edge is longer than the upper edge in terms of the vertical dimension.

[0022] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating cooker according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the steam supply unit has a first member having the steam supply port and a second member connected to the first member, the first member being inserted into a through hole in a wall surface of the heating chamber from inside the heating chamber, and the second member being connected to the first member protruding outside the heating chamber and having the steam flow path leading to the steam generating device.

[0023] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the cooking device according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the guide member is provided on the first member.

[0024] According to a 15th aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating cooker as described in the 13th aspect, further comprising a third member arranged between the first member and the second member, the third member having a constriction portion that relatively narrows the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam flow path.

[0025] According to a 16th aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating cooker according to any one of the 1st to 15th aspects, further comprising a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the heating chamber, and the control unit controls the drive unit based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor.

[0026] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the heating cooker according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor after the operation of the heating unit has started.

[0027] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the cooking device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit based on information input by a user.

[0028] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the cooking device according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, wherein the heating section is at least one of a microwave generator and a heater.

[0029] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a cooking device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations of the following embodiments, and configurations based on similar technical ideas are included in the present disclosure.

[0030] (Embodiment 1) First, with reference to FIG. 1, a cooking device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view that schematically shows a cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view that schematically shows the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0032] The cooking device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a cooking appliance for cooking food F by microwaves (a so-called microwave oven).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking device 1 includes a housing 2, a magnetron 4, a waveguide 6, a heater 8, a steam generator 10, a temperature sensor 11, and a control unit 15.

[0034] The housing 2 is a member that constitutes the outer frame of the cooking device 1, and has the heating chamber 3 inside.

[0035] Heating chamber 3 is a space for heating food F, and as shown in Fig. 1, has bottom surface 17, top surface 19, and left and right side surfaces 18A, 18B. Heating chamber 3 is opened and closed by door 90 shown in Fig. 2.

[0036] The magnetron 4 is a microwave generator that generates microwaves and functions as a heating section for heating the food F. The magnetron 4 is disposed below the heating chamber 3 together with a waveguide 6. The waveguide 6 supplies the microwaves generated by the magnetron 4 to the heating chamber 3 through a bottom surface 17 of the heating chamber 3. The frequency of the microwaves is, for example, 2.4 GHz or more and 2.5 GHz or less.

[0037] The heater 8 is a component for radiantly heating the food F, and functions as a heating section similar to the magnetron 4. The heater 8 is an "interior heater" that heats the heating chamber 3. In this embodiment, the heater 8 is disposed above the heating chamber 3.

[0038] The steam generator 10 is a device that generates steam for steam cooking, and functions as a heating unit in the same way as the magnetron 4 and the heater 8. The steam generator 10 of this embodiment is disposed on the side of the heating chamber 3.

[0039] Temperature sensor 11 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of food F placed in heating chamber 3. In this embodiment, temperature sensor 11 is placed on side surface 18B of heating chamber 3 at a height closer to top surface 19 than to bottom surface 17. Temperature sensor 11 may be any type of sensor, such as an infrared sensor, as long as it can measure the temperature of food F directly or indirectly.

[0040] The control unit 15 is a member that controls each component of the cooking device 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 is electrically connected to the magnetron 4, the heater 8, and the steam generator 10, and controls the heating method of the food F based on the cooking menu specified by the user, the detection result of the temperature sensor 11, etc.

[0041] The control unit 15 can be configured with, for example, a CPU, an MPU, a DSP, an FPGA, an ASIC, etc. The functions of the control unit 15 may be configured with hardware alone, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control unit 15 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in a storage area (not shown) within the control unit 15 and performing various arithmetic processing.

[0042] Multi-tiered rails 22A, 22B, 22C are provided on each of side surfaces 18A, 18B of heating chamber 3. Each of rails 22A to 22C is a member for supporting a tray (grill tray) on which food F is placed, and a pair is provided on each of side surfaces 18A, 18B. Fig. 2 shows a state in which grill tray 24 is set up, with area 26A on the left side of the page and area 26B on the right side of the page on the surface of grill tray 24.

[0043] The steam generator 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a steam supply unit 14 having a steam supply port 12 and a guide member 13, and a heater 16.

[0044] The steam supply port 12 is an opening for supplying steam generated by the steam generator 10 to the heating chamber 3. The steam supply port 12 of the present embodiment is disposed on a side surface 18A of the heating chamber 3 at a height position close to the top surface 19.

[0045] Guide member 13 is a member that guides the flow of steam so as to control the blowing direction of steam blown out from steam supply port 12. The position of guide member 13 is variable, and control unit 15, which will be described later, drives guide member 13 to change the position of guide member 13. This changes the blowing direction of steam from steam supply port 12.

[0046] The guide member 13 of this embodiment is driven to swing up and down. By swinging the guide member 13 up and down, the flow direction of the steam is changed up and down. As a result, of the regions of the heating chamber 3 shown in FIG. 2 , the steam can be directed toward region 26A on the left side of the page or region 26B on the right side of the page.

[0047] The steam supply unit 14 is a member having piping and the like for supplying the steam generated by the steam generator 10 to the steam supply port 12 .

[0048] The heater 16 is a member that heats water W, which is a source of steam generation. The heater 16 is a "steam generation heater" that heats the water W to generate steam.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure around the steam supply port 12 and the steam supply unit 14. As shown in FIG.

[0050] 3, the steam supply unit 14 has a steam flow path 28 therein, and the steam flow path 28 extends to the steam supply port 12. The guide member 13 is disposed midway along the steam flow path 28.

[0051] In this embodiment, guide member 13 swings up and down (arrow B1) around a horizontally extending rotation axis Ax1. When guide member 13 swings up and down, steam (arrow A1) flowing through steam flow path 28 is guided, and the blowing direction of steam from steam supply port 12 is changed up and down (arrow A2).

[0052] The steam supply unit 14 shown in FIG. 3 includes a first member 32, a second member 34, and a third member 35.

[0053] The first member 32 is a member that forms the steam supply port 12. The first member 32 is inserted into a through-hole 47 provided in the side surface 18A from inside the heating chamber 3 (arrow C1). The guide member 13 is provided inside the first member 32.

[0054] The second member 34 is a member that forms the vapor flow path 28 and is connected to the first member 32 .

[0055] The third member 35 is a member disposed between the first member 32 and the second member 34, and has a throttle portion 37. The throttle portion 37 is a portion that protrudes inward to locally narrow the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam flow path 28. By providing the throttle portion 37, the flow of steam can be concentrated.

[0056] Dividing the steam supply unit 14 into at least two members makes it easier to arrange the shape of the first member 32, in particular, which has the steam supply port 12. This improves the degree of freedom in design, for example, by making the shape of the steam supply port 12 a vertically elongated shape that is suitable for changing the direction in which steam is blown out.

[0057] In this embodiment, guide member 13 is disposed in throttle section 37. By disposing guide member 13 in throttle section 37 and guiding the flow of steam collected in throttle section 37 by guide member 13, it becomes easier to control the flow direction of the steam. This makes it possible to control the blowing direction of steam from steam supply port 12 with greater precision.

[0058] Next, the detailed structure of the steam supply unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent drawings.

[0059] 4 and 5 are perspective views showing the structure around the steam supply unit 14, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure around the steam supply unit 14.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a motor 36 for driving the guide member 13 is connected to the steam supply unit 14.

[0061] The motor 36 is a drive unit for driving the guide member 13, and rotates the guide member 13 around a rotation axis Ax1 shown in FIGS.

[0062] 6, the motor 36 has an output shaft 36A, and the output shaft 36A is connected to a shaft portion 38 that is provided integrally with the guide member 13. When the motor 36 rotates the output shaft 36A, the shaft portion 38 and the guide member 13 rotate integrally. The guide member 13 and the shaft portion 38 do not necessarily have to be integral, and may be detachable from each other.

[0063] 5, the shaft portion 38 is exposed to the outside of the first member 32 and the second member 34. A protrusion 40 is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 38, and by abutting the protrusion 40 against another wall portion, it can function as a stopper when the guide member 13 rotates.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the second member 34 has a receiving portion 42, a first fixing portion 44, a second fixing portion 46, and a piping portion 49.

[0065] The receiving portion 42 is a portion for inserting and receiving the first member 32. The receiving portion 42 has a through hole 47 for insertion, and a first fixing portion 44 is provided around the through hole 47.

[0066] The first fixing portion 44 is a portion for fixing the steam supply unit 14 to the side surface 18A of the heating chamber 3. By passing a screw through a through hole provided in the first fixing portion 44, the steam supply unit 14 can be fixed to the side surface 18A of the heating chamber 3.

[0067] The second fixing part 46 is a part for fixing the motor 36 to the steam supply part 14. The motor 36 can be fixed to the second fixing part 46 by passing a screw through a through hole provided in the second fixing part 46.

[0068] The fixing portions 44 and 46 are not limited to screws, and any fixing method may be used.

[0069] The piping section 49 is a member that constitutes a pipe for flowing steam generated by the steam generator 10. The piping section 49 is connected to the receiving section 42 with the third member 35 sandwiched therebetween, and is in communication with the first member 32 inserted into the receiving section 42. As a result, steam is supplied to the steam supply port 12 of the first member 32 through the piping section 49.

[0070] The guide member 13 is disposed between the third member 35 and the receiving portion 42. The guide member 13 is sandwiched between the third member 35 and the receiving portion 42, and is thereby held in a state in which it can rotate about the rotation axis Ax1.

[0071] When installing the steam supply unit 14 having the above configuration in the cooking appliance 1, first, the first fixing part 44 is fixed to the side surface 18A of the heating chamber 3 from the outside. In this state, the guide member 13 and the third member 35 are inserted into the receiving part 42 in this order, and the piping part 49 is connected to the receiving part 42 so that the guide member 13 and the third member 35 are housed inside. Thereafter, the first member 32 is inserted into the through-hole 47 in the side surface 18A of the heating chamber 3 from the inside and fitted into the through-hole 47 in the receiving part 42. Thereafter, the output shaft 36A of the motor 36 is inserted into the through-hole (not shown) of the second fixing part 46 and connected to the shaft part 38, and the motor 36 is fixed to the second fixing part 46. This allows the steam supply unit 14 with the built-in guide member 13 to be installed on the side surface 18A of the heating chamber 3.

[0072] Next, the detailed structures of the first member 32 and the third member 35 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a front view of the first member 32 and the third member 35, and FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first member 32 and the third member 35. As shown in FIG.

[0074] 7, the guide member 13 disposed inside the first member 32 is not shown, and in FIG. 8, the guide member 13 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first member 32 and the third member 35 have a first end 48 on the downstream side and a second end 50 on the upstream side.

[0076] The first end 48 is an end having a steam supply port 12, and the second end 50 is an end having a communication port 52 (FIG. 8). The communication port 52 connects the first member 32 and the third member 35 to the second member 34.

[0077] In this embodiment, the size of the steam supply port 12 is larger than the size of the communication port 52. Specifically, the vertical dimension of the steam supply port 12 is longer than the communication port 52. The steam supply port 12 in this embodiment is an elongated hole whose vertical dimension is longer than its horizontal dimension.

[0078] With regard to the dimensions of the vapor supply port 12, the horizontal dimension is set to a length (for example, 10 mm or more and less than 30 mm) that does not allow the microwaves generated by the magnetron 4 to pass through. This makes it possible to lengthen the vertical dimension of the vapor supply port 12 while preventing the microwaves from passing from the vapor supply port 12 into the interior of the vapor generator 10.

[0079] The first end 48 having the steam supply port 12 has a pair of vertical sides 54A, 54B, an upper side 56, and a lower side 58.

[0080] The vertical sides 54A, 54B are a pair of sides extending vertically so as to connect the upper side 56 and the lower side 58. The upper side 56 and the lower side 58 are spaced apart vertically and each extends with a smooth curve. The upper side 56 is smoothly curved so as to be convex upward, and the lower side 58 is smoothly curved so as to be convex downward.

[0081] 7, the lower side 58 is curved more than the upper side 56, and while the horizontal lengths are approximately the same, the lower side 58 is longer in the vertical dimension than the upper side 56. This shape makes it easier to blow steam over a wider range, particularly downward.

[0082] The throttle portion 37 of the third member 35 has four inner circumferential portions 60, 62, 64, and 66 as inner circumferential portions that narrow the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam flow path .

[0083] The inner peripheral portions 60, 62 are a pair of inner peripheral portions that face each other vertically, and the inner peripheral portions 64, 66 are a pair of inner peripheral portions that face each other horizontally. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral portions 60, 62, 64, 66 all extend linearly and are connected to each other by smoothly curving.

[0084] 8 swings up and down so as to be able to come into contact with each of the first inner circumferential portion 60 and the second inner circumferential portion 62. When the guide member 13 comes into contact with either of the inner circumferential portions 60, 62, the flow of steam in the steam flow path 28 is partially blocked, making it easier to concentrate the flow of steam. Note that the guide member 13 is not limited to contact, and may be spaced apart from the first inner circumferential portion 60 by a small gap.

[0085] 7, the inner peripheral portions 60, 62 extending in the horizontal direction are longer than the inner peripheral portions 64, 66 extending in the vertical direction. This dimensional relationship makes it easier to change the flow of steam while reducing the amount of movement of the guide member 13.

[0086] Next, the detailed structure of the guide member 13 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a side view of the guide member 13, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the guide member 13. As shown in FIG.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 9, the guide member 13 has a first downstream end 72, a second upstream end 74, an upper first main surface 76, and a lower second main surface 78.

[0089] The first end 72 and the second end 74 are each formed in an arc shape, and the curvature of the first end 72 is shorter than the curvature of the second end 74.

[0090] The first major surface 76 and the second major surface 78 extend between the first end 72 and the second end 74 and taper toward the downstream first end 72. The distance D1 between the first major surface 76 and the second major surface 78 gradually decreases toward the first end 72.

[0091] With this structure, the Coanda effect can be generated around the first main surface 76 and the second main surface 78 of the guide member 13, making it easier for steam to flow along the first main surface 76 and the second main surface 78. This allows the flow of steam to be controlled with greater precision.

[0092] A method for supplying steam to heating chamber 3 using steam generator 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11C.

[0093] 11A to 11C are vertical cross-sectional views that schematically show the structure around the steam supply port 12 when the position of the guide member 13 is different.

[0094] 11A shows a state in which guide member 13 is set to the "intermediate position" and is not in contact with constricted portion 37. Steam flowing toward constricted portion 37 (arrow A3) is collected at constricted portion 37 and separated into upper and lower portions by guide member 13. The Coanda effect occurs in guide member 13, and steam flows along each of first main surface 76 and second main surface 78 (arrow A4). The steam is then blown out from steam supply port 12 toward heating chamber 3 (arrow A5).

[0095] Guide member 13 in the intermediate position is set to be inclined downward at a predetermined angle (for example, −30 degrees) from the horizontal. The blowing direction of steam from steam supply port 12 is also substantially the same as the orientation of guide member 13.

[0096] 11B shows a state in which guide member 13 is set to the "downward position" and second end 74 (FIG. 9) of guide member 13 contacts first inner circumferential portion 60 (FIG. 7) above constricted portion 37. At this time, steam flowing toward constricted portion 37 (arrow A6) is collected at constricted portion 37 and deflected significantly downward so as to flow along second main surface 78 below guide member 13 (arrow A7). The steam is then blown out from steam supply port 12 toward heating chamber 3 (arrow A8).

[0097] The guide member 13 in the downward position is set so as to be tilted at a predetermined angle (for example, about −50 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction) further downward than the intermediate position shown in FIG. 11A.

[0098] 11C shows a state in which guide member 13 is set to the "upward position" and second end 74 (FIG. 9) of guide member 13 contacts second inner circumferential portion 62 (FIG. 7) below constricted portion 37. At this time, steam flowing toward constricted portion 37 (arrow A9) is collected at constricted portion 37 and deflected relatively upward so as to flow along first main surface 76 above guide member 13 (arrow A10). The steam is then blown out from steam supply port 12 toward heating chamber 3 (arrow A11).

[0099] Guide member 13 in the upward position is set so as to be inclined upward at a predetermined angle (for example, approximately −5 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction) relative to the intermediate position shown in FIG. 11A.

[0100] Next, the state of execution of the steam cooking course when the guide member 13 is in the positions corresponding to those shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12C.

[0101] FIG. 12A shows a state in which guide member 13 is in the intermediate position, grill pan 24 is placed on the upper level, and two foods F1 and F2 are placed on grill pan 24, one on each side.

[0102] 12A, steam guided by guide member 13 in the intermediate position is blown out from steam supply port 12 downward at a predetermined angle (for example, approximately -30 degrees) from the horizontal. The blown out steam directly hits food F1 on the left side of the page, and some of the remaining steam flows along the top surface of food F1, and also flows toward food F2 on the right side of the page.

[0103] With this type of control, for example, when multiple foods F1 and F2 are placed on the top grill pan 24, the multiple foods F1 and F2 can be steam cooked by applying a large amount of steam to the food F1 closer to the steam supply port 12 while also supplying a certain amount of steam to the food F2 further away.

[0104] FIG. 12B shows a state in which guide member 13 is in a downward position, grill pan 24 is not installed, and one food item F is placed on bottom surface 17 of heating chamber 3.

[0105] As shown in Figure 12B, the steam guided by the guide member 13 in a downward position is blown out from the steam supply port 12 at a large downward angle (for example, approximately -50 degrees) relative to the horizontal direction and hits the food F located in the center of the bottom surface 17 directly.

[0106] According to such control, food F placed in the center of bottom surface 17 of heating chamber 3 can be directly exposed to steam and strongly heated.

[0107] FIG. 12C shows a state in which guide member 13 is in an upward position, grill pan 24 is placed on the top shelf, and two foods F1 and F2 are placed on grill pan 24.

[0108] 12C, steam guided by guide member 13 in an upward position is blown out from steam supply port 12 at a slight downward angle (for example, about -5 degrees) close to horizontal. The blown out steam flows along the top surface of food F1 on the left side of the page and also flows toward food F2 on the right side of the page.

[0109] With this control, when multiple foods F1 and F2 are placed on the top grill pan 24, it is possible to steam cook the multiple foods F1 and F2 by applying a large amount of steam to the food F2 that is farther from the steam supply port 12, while also supplying a certain amount of steam to the food F1 that is closer.

[0110] As described above, by appropriately changing the posture of the guide member 13 depending on the height and presence of the grill pan 24, the number and position of the food F, etc., it is possible to more appropriately heat the food F in the steam cooking process using the steam generating device 10.

[0111] The cooking device 1 of this embodiment has a function of controlling the attitude of the guide member 13 in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 11 during the steam cooking process using the steam generator 10. An example of control for executing this function is shown in FIG.

[0112] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by the cooking appliance 1 of the first embodiment.

[0113] The control of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is executed by the control unit 15 in response to the start of the steam cooking process by a user operation.

[0114] The control unit 15 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 11 (S1). In this example, the temperature sensor 11 is an infrared sensor. In the case of an infrared sensor, the accuracy of temperature detection deteriorates when the heating chamber 3 is filled with steam, so it is preferable to reflect the detection result of the state before the heating chamber 3 is filled with steam in the control.

[0115] Based on the detection result of step S1, control unit 15 adjusts the attitude of guide member 13 (S2). Specifically, based on whether or not the temperature difference between the detected temperature corresponding to region 26A on the left side of heating chamber 3 in the drawing and the detected temperature corresponding to region 26B on the right side of heating chamber 3 in the drawing, among the detected temperatures acquired in step S1, is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature. In other words, based on whether or not there is a temperature difference between the left and right regions of heating chamber 3 that is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature, control unit 15 adjusts the attitude of guide member 13.

[0116] In this example, the temperature sensor 11 is an infrared sensor that obtains the temperature of the heating chamber 3 over a wide range, so in step S1, it is sufficient to extract the detected temperature corresponding to the left region 26A of the heating chamber 3 and the detected temperature corresponding to the right region 26B of the heating chamber 3. On the other hand, if the temperature sensor 11 obtains the temperature of approximately one point in the heating chamber 3, it is sufficient to obtain the detected temperatures corresponding to the left region 26A and the right region 26B by driving the temperature sensor 11 to change its angle during steam cooking, for example.

[0117] In step S2, if there is a temperature difference equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature, the attitude of guide member 13 is adjusted to direct the steam toward the lower temperature area. Specifically, the driving of motor 36 is controlled to adjust the attitude of guide member 13 so that the steam is directed toward one of left and right areas 26A and 26B, whichever has the lower temperature.

[0118] When adjusting the posture of the guide member 13 in step S2, the drive of the motor 36 is controlled so that the guide member 13 assumes one of the intermediate posture, downward posture, and upward posture depending on the position of the food F and the presence or absence of the grill pan 24, etc.

[0119] In step S2, if there is no temperature difference equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature, the posture of guide member 13 is maintained in the initial setting (for example, the intermediate posture shown in FIGS. 11A and 12A).

[0120] The control unit 15 starts supplying steam (S3). Specifically, the heater 16 of the steam generator 10 is driven to generate steam, and the steam is supplied to the heating chamber 3 via the steam supply port 12.

[0121] As in step S1, the control unit 15 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 11 (S4).

[0122] Similar to step S2, the control unit 15 adjusts the attitude of the guide member 13 based on the detection result of step S4 (S5).

[0123] Control unit 15 determines whether or not a predetermined time A has elapsed (S6). Specifically, it determines whether or not a predetermined time A has elapsed since the supply of steam started in step S3. The predetermined time A is set to the time from the start of the supply of steam until heating chamber 3 is filled with steam (for example, 2 minutes).

[0124] If the predetermined time A has not elapsed (NO in S6), the process returns to step S4. Steps S4 to S6 are repeatedly executed until the predetermined time A has elapsed. That is, until the heating chamber 3 is filled with steam, the attitude of the guide member 13 is adjusted based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 11. This makes it possible to accurately detect the temperature of the heating chamber 3, and, if there is an area with a low temperature, to adjust the direction of the steam to that area.

[0125] When steps S4 to S6 are repeatedly executed, it is not necessary to execute them all the time, but they may be executed at predetermined intervals.

[0126] If the predetermined time A has elapsed (YES in S6), it is determined whether the predetermined time B has elapsed (S7). The predetermined time B corresponds to the steam supply time set for each steam cooking step selected by the user (e.g., 10 minutes). The predetermined time B is longer than the predetermined time A.

[0127] If the predetermined time B has not elapsed (NO in S7), step S7 is executed again. That is, until the predetermined time B has elapsed, steam continues to be supplied (S3) without adjusting the attitude of guide member 13 based on the detection result of temperature sensor 11 (S4 to S6). After the predetermined time A has elapsed and the room is filled with steam, the detection accuracy of temperature sensor 11 deteriorates, so steam can be supplied for the time period corresponding to the selected steam cooking process without adjusting the attitude of guide member 13 based on the detection result.

[0128] If the predetermined time B has elapsed (YES in S7), the control unit 15 stops the supply of steam (S8).

[0129] Thereafter, the control unit 15 drives the heating unit for a predetermined time (S9). Specifically, by driving the magnetron 4 or heater 8, which is the heating unit, for the predetermined time, the food F, which contains a large amount of moisture due to the supply of steam, is heated, and the food F is finished cooked.

[0130] According to the above flow, by controlling the attitude of guide member 13 based on the temperature detected by temperature sensor 11, the direction in which steam is blown out can be adjusted according to the heating state of food F, thereby enabling sufficient and uniform heating of food F. In this way, food F can be more appropriately heated in the steam cooking process.

[0131] In this example, the case where temperature sensor 11 is an infrared sensor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any device that can directly measure the temperature of food F (for example, a temperature probe) or any device that can measure the temperature without being affected by steam may also be used. In this case, predetermined time A in step S6 may be replaced with predetermined time B, and step S7 may be omitted. This allows the posture of guide member 13 to be adjusted continuously / periodically based on the detection result of temperature sensor 11 while steam is being supplied.

[0132] In this example, the case where steam continues to be supplied until the predetermined time A has elapsed regardless of the detection result of temperature sensor 11 in step S4 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of supplying steam, heating by magnetron 4 or heater 8 may be switched to depending on the detection result of temperature sensor 11 in step S4 (when the temperature difference between the left and right regions is small). This allows the detection result of temperature sensor 11, which is an infrared sensor, to be acquired again with improved detection accuracy. If the temperature difference between the left and right regions is large based on the reacquired detection result of temperature sensor 11, heating by magnetron 4 or heater 8 may be switched back to supplying steam by steam generator 10. This allows the temperature difference between the left and right regions to be reduced without drying out food F.

[0133] (Actions and Effects) As described above, the heating cooker 1 of embodiment 1 comprises a heating chamber 3 that accommodates food F, a magnetron 4 or heater 8 (heating unit) that heats the food F accommodated in the heating chamber 3, a steam generator 10 that generates steam, a steam supply unit 14 that has a steam flow path 28 through which the steam generated by the steam generator 10 passes and supplies steam to the heating chamber 3 via a steam supply port 12 on the wall surface of the heating chamber 3, a guide member 13 that guides the flow of steam in the steam flow path 28, a motor 36 (drive unit) that drives the guide member 13, and a control unit 15 that controls the magnetron 4 or heater 8, the steam generator 10, and the motor 36, and the direction in which steam is blown out from the steam supply port 12 is changed by driving the guide member 13.

[0134] According to this configuration, by changing the direction in which steam is blown out by driving the guide member 13, the food F can be heated in a more appropriate manner in the steam cooking process using steam.

[0135] Moreover, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the steam supply unit 14 has a constriction section 37 that relatively narrows the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam flow path 28, and the guide member 13 guides the flow of steam passing through the constriction section 37. With this configuration, the guide member 13 can more easily control the blow-out direction of the steam.

[0136] Moreover, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the guide member 13 is disposed in the narrowed portion 37. According to such a configuration, by disposing the guide member 13 in the narrowed portion 37, it becomes easier to control the flow of steam.

[0137] Furthermore, in the cooking appliance 1 of the first embodiment, the inner circumferential portions 60, 62, 64, 66 of the constricted portion 37 have a first inner circumferential portion 60 and a second inner circumferential portion 62 that face each other, and the guide member 13 is movable between a first position approaching the first inner circumferential portion 60 and a second position approaching the second inner circumferential portion 62. This configuration makes it easier to control the flow of steam.

[0138] Furthermore, in the cooking appliance 1 of the first embodiment, the inner circumferential portions 60, 62, 64, 66 have a third inner circumferential portion 64 and a fourth inner circumferential portion 66 that connect the first inner circumferential portion 60 and the second inner circumferential portion 62 to each other, and the length along the first inner circumferential portion 60 and the second inner circumferential portion 62 is longer than the length along the third inner circumferential portion 64 and the fourth inner circumferential portion 66. With this configuration, it becomes easier to change the flow of steam while reducing the amount of movement of the guide member 13.

[0139] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the motor 36 (drive unit) rotates the guide member 13 about the rotation axis Ax1 that extends across the steam flow path 28. With this configuration, the flow of steam can be easily changed.

[0140] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the drive unit that drives the guide member 13 is the motor 36 that rotates the guide member 13. With this configuration, the guide member 13 can be driven with a simple configuration.

[0141] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the guide member 13 has a first main surface 76 and a second main surface 78 that are aligned with the flow of steam in the steam flow path 28, and has a tapered shape in which the distance D1 between the first main surface 76 and the second main surface 78 becomes shorter along the direction of steam flow. With this configuration, the flow of steam can be more easily controlled by the Coanda effect.

[0142] Moreover, in the cooking appliance 1 of the first embodiment, the steam supply port 12 is provided on the side surface 18A of the heating chamber 3. With this configuration, the space of the cooking appliance 1 can be used effectively to install the steam generator 10.

[0143] In the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the steam supply port 12 is an elongated hole whose vertical dimension is longer than its horizontal dimension, and the guide member 13 is driven to change the flow of steam up and down. With this configuration, it is possible to greatly change the blowing direction of the steam.

[0144] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the steam supply port 12 has a pair of vertical sides 54A, 54B that extend linearly along the vertical direction. With this configuration, it becomes easier to control the blow-out direction of the steam.

[0145] Furthermore, in the cooking appliance 1 of the first embodiment, the steam supply port 12 has an upper side 56 that is smoothly curved so as to be convex upward, and a lower side 58 that is smoothly curved so as to be convex downward, and in terms of the vertical dimension, the lower side 58 is longer than the upper side 56. With this configuration, when the steam blowing direction is set downward, the angle can be adjusted over a wide range, and the steam supply port 12 can be positioned appropriately when it is in the upper region of the heating chamber 3, for example.

[0146] Moreover, in the cooking appliance 1 of the first embodiment, the steam supply unit 14 has a first member 32 having the steam supply port 12 and a second member 34 connected to the first member 32, the first member 32 being inserted into the through-hole 47 in the wall surface of the heating chamber 3 from inside the heating chamber 3, and the second member 34 being connected to the first member 32 protruding to the outside of the heating chamber 3 and having a steam flow path 28 leading to the steam generator 10. With this configuration, by dividing the steam supply unit 14 into at least two members 32, 34, it becomes easier to adjust the shape of the first member 32 having the steam supply port 12, in particular, to a desired shape.

[0147] Moreover, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the guide member 13 is provided on the first member 32. With this configuration, the flow of steam can be easily changed at a position close to the steam supply port 12.

[0148] Moreover, the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment further includes a third member 35 disposed between the first member 32 and the second member 34, and the third member 35 has a constricted portion 37 that relatively narrows the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam flow path 28. With this configuration, the steam supply unit 14 having the constricted portion 37 can be easily assembled.

[0149] Furthermore, the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment further includes a temperature sensor 11 that measures the temperature of the heating chamber 3, and the control unit 15 controls the motor 36 (drive unit) based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 11. With this configuration, it becomes easier to direct the steam in a more appropriate direction in response to changes in the temperature of the food F.

[0150] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 15 controls the motor 36 (drive unit) based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 11 after the magnetron 4 or the heater 8 (heating unit) starts operating. With this configuration, it becomes easier to direct the steam in a more appropriate direction while reflecting differences in the temperature rise of the food F.

[0151] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, the heating section that heats the food F contained in the heating chamber 3 is the magnetron 4 (microwave generator) and the heater 8. With this configuration, the food F can be efficiently heated by a method different from steam. Note that the heating section is not limited to having both the magnetron 4 and the heater 8, and it is sufficient that the heating section has at least one of the magnetron 4 and the heater 8.

[0152] (Embodiment 2) The steam supply unit 114 of the cooking device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 16. Descriptions that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0153] 14 to 16 are longitudinal cross-sectional views schematically showing the steam supply unit 114 of the second embodiment.

[0154] As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the steam supply unit 114 has a guide member 130 having the steam supply port 112 and the steam flow path 128, and a piping unit 132 connected to the guide member 130.

[0155] The guide member 130 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis Ax2 extending in the horizontal direction, and is disposed in a through hole 47 provided in the side surface 18A of the heating chamber 3.

[0156] According to this configuration, by rotating the guide member 130 around the rotation axis Ax2, the flow direction of the steam from the steam supply port 112 can be changed in three stages, as shown in FIGS.

[0157] With respect to the orientation of the guide member 130, FIG. 14 corresponds to the intermediate position, FIG. 15 corresponds to the downward position, and FIG. 16 corresponds to the upward position.

[0158] As described above, in the first embodiment, the guide member 13 is provided inside the vapor flow path 28, but as in the second embodiment, the guide member 130 itself may have the vapor flow path 28.

[0159] The invention of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, but the invention of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned first and second embodiments. For example, in the first embodiment, the case where the motor 36 is controlled based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 11 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this case, and the motor 36 may also be controlled based on, for example, input information from the user. This allows for a wider variety of cooking methods using steam.

[0160] In addition, in embodiments 1 and 2, the case where the posture of the guide member 13 can be adjusted in three stages is described, but this is not limited to this case, and the posture may be adjustable in multiple stages other than three stages, or may be able to be stopped at any position.

[0161] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. Furthermore, changes in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0162] By appropriately combining any of the above-described embodiments and various modifications, it is possible to achieve the effects of each of the embodiments and modifications. [Industrial Applicability]

[0163] The present disclosure is applicable to any cooking device that has a steam heating function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1 Cooker 3 Heating chamber 4. Magnetron (heating unit) 8 Heater (heating unit, internal heater) 10 Steam Generator 11 Temperature Sensor 12, 112 Steam supply port 13, 130 Guide member 14, 114 Steam supply section 15 Control Unit 16 Heater (steam generation heater) 18A, 18B side 28, 128 Steam flow path 32 First member 34 Second member 35 Third member 36 Motor (drive unit) 37 Constriction section 47 Through hole 54A, 54B Vertical side 56 Surface 58 Bottom 60 1st inner circumference 62 2nd inner circumference 64 3rd inner circumference 66 4th inner circumference 76 First main surface 78 Second main surface Ax1, Ax2 rotation axis F, F1, F2 Food

Claims

1. a heating chamber containing food; a heating section for heating food contained in the heating chamber; a steam generator that generates steam; a steam supply unit having a steam flow path through which the steam generated by the steam generator passes, and supplying steam to the heating chamber through a steam supply port in a wall surface of the heating chamber; a guide member that guides the flow of steam in the steam flow path; a drive unit that drives the guide member; a control unit that controls the heating unit, the steam generating device, and the driving unit, The cooking device changes the direction in which steam is blown out from the steam supply port by driving the guide member.

2. the steam supply unit has a throttle unit that relatively narrows the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam flow path, The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the guide member guides the flow of steam passing through the constricted portion.

3. The cooking device according to claim 2 , wherein the guide member is disposed in the narrowed portion.

4. the inner circumferential portion of the throttle portion has a first inner circumferential portion and a second inner circumferential portion opposed to each other, The cooking device according to claim 2 , wherein the guide member is movable between a first position approaching the first inner circumferential portion and a second position approaching the second inner circumferential portion.

5. the inner circumferential portion has a third inner circumferential portion and a fourth inner circumferential portion that connect the first inner circumferential portion and the second inner circumferential portion to each other, The cooking device according to claim 4 , wherein a length in a direction along the first inner circumferential portion and the second inner circumferential portion is longer than a length in a direction along the third inner circumferential portion and the fourth inner circumferential portion.

6. The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the drive unit rotates the guide member about a rotation axis that extends across the steam flow path.

7. The cooking device according to claim 6 , wherein the drive unit is a motor that rotates the guide member.

8. 2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the guide member has a first main surface and a second main surface along the flow of steam in the steam flow path, and has a tapered shape in which the distance between the first main surface and the second main surface becomes shorter along the flow direction of steam.

9. The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the steam supply port is provided on a side surface of the heating chamber.

10. The steam supply port is an elongated hole whose vertical dimension is longer than its horizontal dimension, The cooking device according to claim 9 , wherein the guide member is driven to change the flow of steam up and down.

11. The cooking device according to claim 10 , wherein the steam supply port has a pair of vertical sides that extend linearly along the vertical direction.

12. the steam supply port has an upper side that is smoothly curved to be convex upward and a lower side that is smoothly curved to be convex downward, The cooking device according to claim 10 , wherein the lower side is longer than the upper side in the vertical direction.

13. the steam supply unit includes a first member having the steam supply port and a second member connected to the first member, the first member is inserted into a through-hole in a wall surface of the heating chamber from inside the heating chamber, The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the second member is connected to the first member protruding outside the heating chamber and has the steam flow path leading to the steam generating device.

14. The cooking device according to claim 13 , wherein the guide member is provided on the first member.

15. further comprising a third member disposed between the first member and the second member; The cooking device according to claim 13 , wherein the third member has a throttle portion that relatively narrows a cross-sectional area of ​​the steam flow path.

16. Further provided is a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating chamber; The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the drive unit based on a measurement result of the temperature sensor.

17. The cooking device according to claim 16, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit based on a measurement result of the temperature sensor after the operation of the heating unit has started.

18. The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the drive unit based on information input by a user.

19. The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the heating unit is at least one of a microwave generator and a heater.

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