Cooking appliances and cooking dishes

Abstract

The present invention provides a cooking appliance and a cooking plate that can suppress overheating of the food being heated. [Solution] The heating cooker 1 according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a heating chamber 2 on which microwaves are irradiated from below toward the internal space; a cooking plate 3 housed in the heating chamber 2 on which an object to be heated (food 4) is placed, which is impermeable to the microwaves and generates heat when exposed to the microwaves; and an impermeable portion 16 provided to close the gap between the cooking plate 3 and the inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2, which is impermeable to the microwaves.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating cooker and a cooking tray.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the heating cooker (referred to as "high-frequency heating device" in the text) described in Patent Document 1, the cooking tray accommodated in the heating chamber receives microwaves from the lower side and generates heat, so that the object to be heated placed on the cooking tray is heated and cooked.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] If microwaves enter the object to be heated during heating and cooking by the cooking tray, there is a concern that the object to be heated will be overheated due to the heat generated by the cooking tray and the heat generated by the water molecules contained in the object to be heated receiving the microwaves.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heating cooker and a cooking tray that can suppress overheating of an object to be heated.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] A heating cooker according to the present disclosure includes: a heating chamber into which microwaves are irradiated from a lower side toward an internal space; a cooking tray accommodated in the heating chamber, on which an object to be heated is placed, which is impermeable to the microwaves and generates heat when receiving the microwaves; and a non-permeable portion provided so as to close a gap between the cooking tray and an inner wall surface of the heating chamber, and having impermeability to the microwaves.

[0007] In this disclosure, microwaves are irradiated from below the heating chamber toward the internal space of the heating chamber. A cooking plate is housed in the heating chamber. The food to be heated is placed on the cooking plate. The cooking plate generates heat when exposed to microwaves. The heat generated by the cooking plate when exposed to microwaves cooks the food placed on the cooking plate. The cooking plate and non-transparent parts are microwave-impermeable.

[0008] The opaque section closes the gap between the cooking plate and the inner wall of the heating chamber. The opaque section can receive microwaves that enter between the cooking plate and the inner wall of the heating chamber. Therefore, microwaves that enter between the cooking plate and the inner wall of the heating chamber are prevented from passing through the space between the cooking plate and the inner wall of the heating chamber and penetrating the part of the heating chamber's interior space above the cooking plate. The non-transparent portion should be closed off between the cooking plate and the inner wall of the heating chamber to such an extent that microwaves used in the cooking appliance cannot pass through the gap between the non-transparent portion and the inner wall of the heating chamber (for example, by having a gap that is sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of microwaves).

[0009] There is no risk of microwaves penetrating the cooking plate or non-transparent areas and entering the space above the cooking plate. As a result, microwaves that penetrate the space above the cooking plate are prevented from entering the food being heated on the cooking plate. Therefore, overheating of the food being heated can be suppressed.

[0010] The heating appliance according to this disclosure is characterized in that the non-permeable portion comprises an extension piece extending outward from the front and rear of the opening periphery of the cooking plate, respectively, along the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber, and a hanging piece that hangs down from the tip of the extension piece in a direction along the front or rear inner wall surface of the heating chamber.

[0011] In this disclosure, the opaque portion comprises an extended piece and a hanging piece. The extensions extend outward from the front and rear edges of the cooking plate's opening, respectively, along the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber. Therefore, the front extension can close the gap between the front edge of the cooking plate's opening and the front inner wall surface of the heating chamber, and the rear extension can close the gap between the rear edge of the cooking plate's opening and the rear inner wall surface of the heating chamber. The extensions can, for example, receive upward microwaves. The hanging piece hangs down from the tip of the extension piece, along the inner wall surface on the front or rear side of the heating chamber. The hanging piece can receive microwaves that may bypass the extension piece.

[0012] The heating appliance according to this disclosure is characterized in that the length from the upper surface of the extension piece to the lower end of the hanging piece is 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and the position of the lower end of the hanging piece is greater than or equal to the position of the lower end of the outer bottom surface of the cooking plate.

[0013] In this disclosure, the length from the upper surface of the extension piece to the lower end of the hanging piece (hereinafter referred to as the height of the hanging piece) is 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less. Furthermore, the position of the lower end of the hanging piece is higher than the position of the lower end of the outer bottom surface of the cooking plate. Such a cooking plate suppresses the intrusion of microwaves into the part of the internal space of the heating chamber above the cooking plate, and also prevents the hanging piece from interfering with the user.

[0014] If the height of the hanging piece is less than 10 mm, the hanging piece is too low, and there is a risk that microwaves may bypass the extension piece and the hanging piece and penetrate into the space above the cooking plate. The greater the height of the hanging piece, the more reliably microwaves can be prevented from bypassing the extension piece and hanging piece and entering the space above the cooking plate. However, if the height of the hanging piece exceeds 40 mm, or if the lower end of the hanging piece is below the lower end of the outer bottom surface of the cooking plate, the hanging piece is too high and is likely to get in the way of the user when the cooking plate is removed from the heating chamber.

[0015] The heating appliance according to this disclosure is characterized in that the cooking plate has legs attached to it, the lower end of the legs is located below the lower end of the cooking plate, and the lower end of the hanging piece is located below the upper end of the inner bottom surface of the cooking plate and above the lower end of the legs.

[0016] In this disclosure, legs are attached to the cooking plate. The lower end of the legs is located below the lower end of the cooking plate. For example, when a cooking plate is placed on a table, the legs of the stand make contact with the table, while the plate is separated from the table. Therefore, it is possible to prevent high heat from being directly transferred from the cooking plate to the table.

[0017] The lower end of the hanging piece is positioned below the upper end of the inner bottom surface of the cooking dish. In this case, the hanging piece is not too low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent microwaves from bypassing the extended piece and the hanging piece and entering the space above the cooking dish. The lower end of the hanging piece is positioned above the lower end of the leg. In this case, the hanging piece is not too high. Therefore, even when the cooking plate is removed from the heating chamber, the hanging piece is unlikely to get in the way of the user. Also, there is no risk of the hanging piece hindering, for example, placing the cooking plate on a table.

[0018] The heating appliance according to this disclosure is characterized in that the separation distance between the front and rear inner wall surfaces and the front and rear extension pieces and hanging pieces is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

[0019] In this disclosure, the separation distance between the front inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the front extension and hanging pieces is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less. Similarly, the separation distance between the rear inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the rear extension and hanging pieces is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

[0020] When the separation distance between the inner wall surface of the heating chamber, the extending piece and the hanging piece is less than 1.5 mm, the extending piece and the hanging piece are too close to the inner wall surface of the heating chamber. For example, when both the side wall of the heating chamber, the extending piece and the hanging piece are made of metal, there is a risk of sparking occurring between the inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the extending piece or the hanging piece. In other words, when the separation distance from the inner wall surface of the heating chamber is 1.5 mm or more, sparking between the inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the extending piece or the hanging piece can be prevented.

[0021] When the separation distance between the inner wall surface of the heating chamber, the extending piece and the hanging piece exceeds 9 mm, the gap generated between the extending piece, the hanging piece and the inner wall surface of the heating chamber is too large, so there is a risk that microwaves may pass through this gap and enter the portion above the cooking tray in the internal space of the heating chamber. In other words, when the separation distance from the inner wall surface of the heating chamber is 9 mm or less, overheating of the heated object caused by microwaves entering the portion above the cooking tray in the internal space of the heating chamber can be suppressed.

[0022] In the heating cooker according to the present disclosure, handles having a lower thermal conductivity than the cooking tray are attached to both left and right side portions of the cooking tray, and the non-transmissive portions are provided on the inner wall surfaces on both left and right sides of the heating chamber, and include a non-transmissive body on which the both left and right side portions of the cooking tray are placed directly or with the handles interposed therebetween.

[0023] In the present disclosure, handles are attached to both left and right side portions of the cooking tray. Since the handles have a lower thermal conductivity than the cooking tray, when a user holds the handles, transmission of high heat from the cooking tray to the user's hands can be suppressed. Therefore, the convenience of carrying the cooking tray can be improved.

[0024] The non-transmissive portion includes a non-transmissive body. The non-transmissive body is provided on the inner wall surfaces on both left and right sides of the heating chamber. By placing both left and right side portions of the cooking dish on the non-transmissive body directly or via the handle, the gap between the inner wall surfaces on both left and right sides of the heating chamber and the left and right side portions of the cooking dish can be closed. Since the handle is located above the cooking dish or the non-transmissive body, the cooking dish or the non-transmissive body can suppress incidence of microwaves to the handle. Therefore, even when the handle has microwave permeability, penetration of microwaves through the handle into the space above the cooking dish is suppressed.

[0025] In the heating cooker according to the present disclosure, the non-transmissive portion further includes non-transmissive pieces extending outward along the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber from the left portion and the right portion of the opening peripheral edge of the cooking dish respectively, and covered with the handle from the upper side or the lower side, both left and right side portions of the cooking dish are placed on the non-transmissive body via the handle, and the non-transmissive pieces are located above the non-transmissive body.

[0026] In the present disclosure, the non-transmissive portion further includes the non-transmissive pieces. The non-transmissive pieces extend outward along the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber from the left portion and the right portion of the opening peripheral edge of the cooking dish respectively. Therefore, the left non-transmissive piece can close the gap between the left portion of the opening peripheral edge of the cooking dish and the left inner wall surface of the heating chamber, and the right non-transmissive piece can close the gap between the right portion of the opening peripheral edge of the cooking dish and the right inner wall surface of the heating chamber. The non-transmissive pieces can, for example, catch upwardly directed microwaves.

[0027] The non-transmissive pieces are covered with the handle from the upper side or the lower side. If the non-transmissive piece is located below the handle, incidence of microwaves on the handle is suppressed. If the non-transmissive piece is located above the handle, even when the handle has microwave permeability, the non-transmissive piece can catch the microwaves that have passed through the handle. When both left and right side portions of the cooking dish are placed on the non-transmissive body via the handle, the non-transmissive pieces are located above the non-transmissive body. Therefore, the non-transmissive pieces can catch microwaves that have bypassed the non-transmissive body.

[0028] The heating appliance according to this disclosure is characterized in that the separation distance between the left and right inner wall surfaces and the left and right non-transparent pieces is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

[0029] In this disclosure, the separation distance between the left inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the left non-transparent piece is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less. Similarly, the separation distance between the right inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the right non-transparent piece is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

[0030] If the separation distance between the inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the opaque piece is less than 1.5 mm, the opaque piece is too close to the inner wall surface of the heating chamber. For example, if both the side wall of the heating chamber and the opaque piece are made of metal, there is a risk of sparks occurring between the inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the opaque piece. In other words, if the separation distance between the inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the opaque piece is 1.5 mm or more, it is possible to prevent sparks from occurring between the inner wall surface of the heating chamber and the opaque piece.

[0031] If the separation distance between the inner wall of the heating chamber and the non-permeable piece exceeds 9 mm, the gap between the non-permeable piece and the inner wall of the heating chamber is too large, and there is a risk that microwaves will penetrate through this gap into the part of the heating chamber's interior space above the cooking plate. In other words, if the separation distance between the inner wall of the heating chamber and the non-permeable piece is 9 mm or less, overheating of the heated object caused by microwaves penetrating the part of the heating chamber's interior space above the cooking plate can be suppressed.

[0032] The heating appliance according to this disclosure is characterized in that the edge of the inner bottom surface of the cooking plate is concave, and the inner bottom surface is inclined downward from the center toward the edge.

[0033] In this disclosure, the inner bottom surface of the cooking plate has a concave edge. Furthermore, the inner bottom surface of the cooking plate slopes downward from the center toward the concave edge. Therefore, for example, liquids that flow out from the food being heated placed on the cooking plate can naturally flow into the concave edge.

[0034] The cooking dish according to this disclosure is housed in a heating chamber from which microwaves are irradiated from below toward the internal space, and is characterized in that a non-transparent structure, which is impermeable to microwaves and generates heat when exposed to microwaves, is provided on the outside of the opening edge so as to close the gap between the opening edge and the inner wall surface of the heating chamber.

[0035] In this disclosure, it can be used as a cooking plate provided in a heating appliance relating to this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] The heating appliance and cooking plate of this disclosure can prevent the food being heated from overheating. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a heating appliance according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance. [Figure 3] This is a schematic front cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a serving dish. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of a cooking dish. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is a view of the bottom of the cooking plate. [Figure 9] This is a magnified view of the area enclosed by line IX in Figure 3. [Figure 10] This is a magnified view of the area enclosed by the X-ray in Figure 7. [Figure 11] This figure shows a modified example of the support material. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the arrows in the drawings will indicate the top / bottom, front / back, and left / right directions. For illustrative purposes, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and parts may be exaggerated or omitted.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment. In the figure, 1 is a cooking appliance, and cooking appliance 1 is configured as, for example, a microwave oven. Cooking appliance 1 includes an outer casing 11 and a door 12. Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer box 11 is rectangular in shape and has an open front. The door 12 opens and closes the front opening of the outer box 11. As shown in Figure 1, a handle 121 and an operating part 122 are provided on the outer surface of the door 12.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the cooking appliance 1 includes an inner box 13 and a partition wall 14. The inner box 13 is housed in the outer box 11. The inner box 13 is rectangular in shape and has an open front. When the door 12 opens and closes the front opening of the outer box 11, the front opening of the inner box 13 is also opened and closed. The outer casing 11, door 12, and inner casing 13 are heat-resistant and microwave-reflective. For example, the outer casing 11 and inner casing 13 are made of metal.

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a recess is provided in the center of the inner bottom surface of the inner box 13, and the opening of this recess is liquid-tightly closed by a partition wall 14 positioned along the bottom plate of the inner box 13. The partition wall 14 has heat resistance and microwave permeability and is made of, for example, ceramic.

[0042] The portion of the inner box 13 above the partition wall 14 is used as the heating chamber 2. The inner top surface of the inner box 13 and the top surface of the partition wall 14 function as the inner top surface and inner bottom surface of the heating chamber 2. The portions of the left and right inner walls of the inner box 13 above the partition wall 14 function as the left and right inner walls of the heating chamber 2. The portion of the inner surface of the door 12 between the inner top surface and inner bottom surface of the heating chamber 2 functions as the front inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2. The portion of the rear inner wall of the inner box 13 above the partition wall 14 functions as the rear inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2. The door 12 comprises, for example, a metal plate (perforated metal) with numerous through-holes and transparent heat-resistant glass covering this metal plate. When the door 12 is closed, the heating chamber 2 can be seen through the door 12.

[0043] The area below the partition wall 14 of the inner box 13 (the recess in the center of the inner bottom surface of the inner box 13) is used as the antenna room 10. The cooking appliance 1 is equipped with an irradiation device 15. The irradiation device 15 is equipped with a rotating antenna 151 and a magnetron 152. The rotating antenna 151 is housed in the antenna chamber 10. The rotating antenna 151 is disc-shaped with both sides facing up and down, and is driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate in the circumferential direction. The magnetron 152 is housed in a space enclosed, for example, by the inner surface of the outer casing 11 and the outer surface of the inner casing 13. The magnetron 152 generates microwaves. The wavelength of the microwaves generated by the magnetron 152 is approximately 12 cm.

[0044] The microwaves generated by the magnetron 152 are guided into the antenna chamber 10 by a waveguide member (not shown). The microwaves guided into the antenna chamber 10 are scattered by the rotating antenna 151. The scattered microwaves pass through the partition wall 14 and are irradiated from below into the internal space of the heating chamber 2. A cooking dish 3 is placed inside the heating chamber 2. The cooking dish 3 is heat-resistant and microwave-impermeable. The cooking dish 3 generates heat when exposed to microwaves. Food 4 (the item to be heated) is placed on the cooking plate 3. The heat emitted by the cooking plate 3 when it receives microwaves heats and cooks the food 4 placed on the cooking plate 3.

[0045] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cooking dish 3. The cooking plate 3 is a rectangular plate, comprising a rectangular base plate and side plates rising from the periphery of the base plate. The base plate and side plates of the cooking plate 3 are microwave reflectors and are made of, for example, metal. The thickness of the cooking plate 3 is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 1 mm or less. Figure 5 is a plan view of the cooking plate 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the edge of the inner bottom surface 3a of the cooking plate 3 is concave all around. Hereafter, the concave portion of the peripheral edge of the inner bottom surface 3a will be referred to as the storage groove 31.

[0046] Food item 4 is placed in the central part of the inner bottom surface 3a (the area surrounded by the storage groove 31). Hereafter, the area of ​​the inner bottom surface 3a surrounded by the storage groove 31 will be referred to as the placement surface 32. The mounting surface 32 is gently inclined downward from its geometric center toward the storage groove 31.

[0047] Multiple guide grooves 33 are provided on the mounting surface 32. The multiple guide grooves 33 are arranged parallel to each other, with the longest guide groove 33 located on the diagonal of the mounting surface 32. Both ends of the guide groove 33 in the longitudinal direction communicate with the storage groove 31. The guide groove 33 is inclined upward from both ends in the longitudinal direction toward the center in the longitudinal direction. The width of the guide groove 33 is wider towards both ends. Furthermore, the configuration in which the multiple guide grooves 33 are arranged is not limited to being parallel to each other; for example, they may be arranged radially.

[0048] If liquid (e.g., excess oil) leaks from the food 4 placed on the mounting surface 32, the leaked liquid is guided by the mounting surface 32 or the guide groove 33 and collected in the storage groove 31. The inclination of the mounting surface 32 and the guide groove 33 prevents the liquid accumulated in the storage groove 31 from leaking back towards the food 4.

[0049] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the central part of the outer bottom surface 3b of the cooking plate 3 (the back side of the surface 32 on which the food is placed) is concave. The cooking plate 3 is equipped with a heating element 34. The heating element 34 absorbs microwaves and generates heat when exposed to them. The heating element 34 is integrally disposed at least on the outer bottom surface 3b of the cooking plate 3. The heat generated by the heating element 34 is transmitted at least to the central part of the outer bottom surface 3b of the cooking plate 3, and further transmitted to the food 4 placed on the serving surface 32. Therefore, the food 4 is heated and cooked. The heating element 34 in this embodiment is a rectangular plate made of ferrite, and is attached to the outer bottom surface 3b so as to fit into the concave portion in the center of the outer bottom surface 3b.

[0050] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the cooking dish 3. Due to microwave edge runaway, microwaves tend to concentrate at the periphery of the heating element 34, so the temperature at the periphery of the heating element 34 tends to be higher than the temperature at the center of the heating element 34. Therefore, notches 341 are provided in the center of each of the four sides of the heating element 34. The notches 341 are, for example, V-shaped. Due to the presence of the notch 341, the high-temperature portion of the heating element 34 is located close to the low-temperature portion of the heating element 34, thereby suppressing uneven heating of the food 4 caused by uneven heating of the heating element 34.

[0051] The outer bottom surface 3b of the cooking plate 3 is provided with four protrusions 331 that fit into the four notches 341 of the heating element 34 (see Figures 6 and 7). The bottom and sides of the concave portion in the center of the outer bottom surface 3b contact the top surface and periphery of the heating element 34, and the convex portion 331 contacts the inner surface of the notch 341 of the heating element 34, thereby improving the efficiency of heat transfer from the high-temperature portion of the heating element 34 to the cooking plate 3. As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the four protrusions 331 create four recesses 332 on the four sides of the surface to be placed 32. The recesses 332 communicate with the storage groove 31. The presence of the four recesses 332 changes the shape of the storage groove 31 from a simple rectangular annular shape to a complex rectangular annular shape with circumferential irregularities, thereby improving the aesthetic design of the cooking plate 3.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cooking appliance 1 is equipped with an opaque section 16. The opaque section 16 is opaque to microwaves and is provided to close the gap between the cooking plate 3 and the front, rear, left, and right inner wall surfaces of the heating chamber 2. The configuration of the opaque section 16 will be described in detail below.

[0053] The opaque section 16 comprises two opaque pieces 5, two support bodies 6 (opaque materials), and two structural elements 7. The opaque pieces 5, support bodies 6, and structural elements 7 are heat-resistant and microwave-reflective, and are made of metal, for example. Therefore, there is no risk of microwaves passing through them entering the space above the cooking plate 3. The opaque piece 5 and the structure 7 constitute the opaque structure of the cooking dish 3. The opaque structure of the cooking dish 3 is provided on the outside of the opening edge of the cooking dish 3 so as to close the gap between the opening edge of the cooking dish 3 and the front, rear, left, and right inner wall surfaces of the heating chamber 2.

[0054] First, let's explain the non-transparent piece 5. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the two non-transparent pieces 5 are integrally provided on the outside of both the left and right sides of the opening of the cooking plate 3. Each opaque piece 5 is strip-shaped, with its longitudinal direction oriented front to back and its width direction oriented left to right. The thickness of the opaque piece 5 is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0055] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by line IX in Figure 3. Figure 9 shows the vicinity of the left side of the cooking plate 3. The opaque piece 5 on the left side protrudes to the left (outward) from the left edge of the opening of the cooking plate 3. The left edge of the opaque piece 5 on the left side is bent downward. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the opaque piece 5 on the right side protrudes to the right (outward) from the right edge of the opening of the cooking plate 3. The right edge of the opaque piece 5 on the right side is bent downward.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, 8, and 9, two handles 8 are attached to both the left and right sides of the cooking plate 3 via two opaque pieces 5. The handle 8 has lower thermal conductivity than the cooking plate 3 and possesses heat resistance, electrical insulation, and microwave permeability. The handle 8 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, preferably engineering plastic.

[0057] In this embodiment, the handle 8 is a rod-shaped body that extends in the front-to-back direction. The left handle 8 covers the lower surface and left edge of the left opaque piece 5, as well as the left outer surface of the cooking plate 3 (see Figure 9). Similarly, the right handle 8 covers the lower surface and right edge of the right opaque piece 5, as well as the right outer surface of the cooking plate 3. Since the handle 8 has a lower thermal conductivity than the cooking plate 3, the user holding the handle 8 can prevent high heat from the cooking plate 3 from being transferred to the user's hand. Therefore, the convenience of carrying the cooking plate 3 can be improved.

[0058] The handle 8 is hollow and has through holes 80 on its underside. Therefore, the handle 8 is lightweight. Because the through holes 80 are located on the underside of the handle 8, they function as drainage holes for liquids (e.g., water) that have entered the internal space of the handle 8. Therefore, when the cooking plate 3 is washed after use, both the cooking plate 3 and the handle 8 dry easily. Also, because the through holes 80 are located on the underside of the handle 8, they are not conspicuous and do not detract from the aesthetics. There are three through holes 80, and the three through holes 80 are arranged in a front-to-back configuration. The number or arrangement of the through holes 80 is not limited.

[0059] The configuration for attaching the handle 8 to the cooking plate 3 is not limited. For example, multiple through holes 51 are provided on the upper surface of the opaque piece 5, arranged front to back (see Figure 4), and the handle 8 is screwed to the opaque piece 5 using male screws 52 that pass through each through hole 51 (see Figure 5; the male screws 52 are not shown in Figure 4). The lowest position of the handle 8 is below the position of the bottom edge of the cooking plate 3, but it may also be above the position of the bottom edge of the cooking plate 3. The handle 8 may consist of, for example, a first member 8a that is screwed to the opaque piece 5, and a second member 8b that engages with the first member 8a.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3 and 6-9, each handle 8 is integrally equipped with a leg portion 81. The leg portion 81 is a tongue-shaped piece that protrudes downward from the lowest surface of the handle 8. There are two legs 81, and the two legs 81 are arranged front to back. The lower end of the leg portion 81 is positioned below the lower end of the cooking plate 3. For example, when a user places the cooking plate 3 on a table, the four legs 81 on the front, back, left, and right sides come into contact with the top surface of the table, so the cooking plate 3 is separated from the table. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the transfer of high heat from the cooking plate 3 to the table. In the following, the portion of the left handle 8 that covers the left edge of the left opaque piece 5 will be referred to as the mounting portion 82.

[0061] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the mounting portion 82 of the left handle 8 is located on the upper edge of the left side surface of the left handle 8. The left side surface of the left handle 8 is concave along its entire length. For the right-hand handle 8, the mounting portion 82 is located on the upper edge of the right side of the handle 8. The right side of the right-hand handle 8 is concave along its entire length.

[0062] Next, we will describe the support 6. In the case of the heating appliance 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, two sets of left and right support members 6 are provided, arranged vertically. The upper left and right pair of support members 6 are provided on the left and right inner walls of the heating chamber 2. The height of the left and right support members 6 from the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber 2 is equal. Each support member 6 is located in the vertical center of the heating chamber 2, and the height of the support member 6 from the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber 2 is greater than the height from the lower end of the leg portion 81 to the lower end of the mounting portion 82. The support members 6 have a convex ridge shape, and the longitudinal direction of the support members 6 is oriented front to back.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the left support 6 is formed by curving a portion of the left wall of the inner box 13 so that it protrudes to the right. Similarly, the right support 6 is formed by curving a portion of the right wall of the inner box 13 so that it protrudes to the left. The configuration of the lower left and right pair of support members 6 is substantially the same as that of the upper left and right pair of support members 6, except that they are located closer to the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber 2 than the upper left and right pair of support members 6.

[0064] When cooking food 4, the user places the food 4 on the cooking plate 3, grasps the handle 121 to open the door 12, and places the cooking plate 3 with the food 4 into the heating chamber 2. At this time, the user places the mounting parts 82 of the left and right handles 8 on the left and right support bodies 6 from above. As a result, both the left and right sides of the cooking plate 3 are placed on the left and right support bodies 6 via the left and right non-transparent pieces 5 and the mounting parts 82 of the left and right handles 8. With the cooking plate 3 placed, the left and right support bodies 6 support the cooking plate 3 so that the mounting surface 32 is aligned with the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber 2. Since the left side surface of the left handle 8 is concave, the support body 6 protruding to the right does not interfere with the handle 8. Similarly, since the right side surface of the right handle 8 is concave, the support body 6 protruding to the left does not interfere with the handle 8.

[0065] After placing the cooking plate 3 into the heating chamber 2, the user closes the door 12 and operates the control panel 122. In response to the operation of the control panel 122, the cooking appliance 1 activates the irradiation device 15. As a result, the food 4 is heated and cooked. After cooking, the user grasps the handle 121 to open the door 12 and removes the cooking plate 3 from the heating chamber 2. At this time, the user can easily remove the cooking plate 3 from the left and right support supports 6 by lifting it. Based on the above, it is easy to insert and remove the cooking plate 3 from the heating chamber 2.

[0066] Since an electrically insulating handle 8 is interposed between the non-transparent piece 5 and the cooking plate 3 and the support 6, which are both conductive materials, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of sparks between the non-transparent piece 5 and the cooking plate 3 and the support 6 during microwave irradiation. When the cooking plate 3 is placed on the support 6, the cooking plate 3 is supported at an upper distance from the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber 2. Therefore, compared to when the cooking plate 3 is placed on the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber 2, microwaves incident on the internal space of the heating chamber 2 are more easily scattered, and microwaves are more easily incident on the heating element 34 overall. Consequently, uneven heating of the heating element 34, and thus uneven heating of the food 4, can be suppressed.

[0067] Since the left mounting portion 82 covers the left edge of the opaque piece 5, when the left mounting portion 82 is placed on the left support 6, the left edge of the opaque piece 5 is positioned directly above the left support 6. Similarly, when the right mounting portion 82 is placed on the right support 6, the right edge of the opaque piece 5 is positioned directly above the right support 6.

[0068] Since the cooking plate 3 is reflective of microwaves, there is no risk of microwaves passing through the cooking plate 3 and entering the space above the cooking plate 3. The left and right non-transparent pieces 5 and the support 6 close the gap between the left and right inner walls of the heating chamber 2 and the left and right edges of the opening of the cooking plate 3. Therefore, it is possible to suppress microwaves from penetrating the space between the left and right inner walls of the heating chamber 2 and the left and right edges of the opening of the cooking plate 3 to the portion of the internal space of the heating chamber 2 above the cooking plate 3.

[0069] The handle 8 transmits microwaves, but an opaque piece 5 is located above the handle 8, and a support 6 is located below the mounting section 82. Therefore, the opaque piece 5 prevents microwaves that have passed through the handle 8 from entering the part of the heating chamber 2 above the cooking plate 3, and the support 6 prevents microwaves from entering the mounting section 82.

[0070] In the cooking appliance 1 of this embodiment, two sets of left and right support members 6 are provided, arranged vertically. The closer the cooking plate 3 is to the rotating antenna 151, the easier it is for microwaves to enter the heating element 34, resulting in a greater amount of heat generated by the heating element 34. Therefore, users who desire high-temperature cooking can use the lower support member 6, while users who desire low-temperature cooking can use the upper support member 6. In addition, the heating chamber 2 may have three or more sets of support members 6 arranged vertically, or it may have only one set of support members 6.

[0071] When the cooking plate 3 is placed in the heating chamber 2, the separation distance A (see Figure 9) between the left inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the left end of the left non-transparent piece 5 is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less. In this embodiment, the separation distance A is the length in the left-right direction between the left inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the folded lower end of the left non-transparent piece 5. Similarly, the separation distance A between the right inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the right end of the right non-transparent piece 5 is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

[0072] If the separation distance A between the left inner wall surface of heating chamber 2 and the left end of the left opaque piece 5 is less than 1.5 mm, the left end of the left opaque piece 5 is too close to the left inner wall surface of heating chamber 2, and there is a risk of sparks occurring between the left inner wall surface of heating chamber 2 and the left end of the opaque piece 5. Also, if the separation distance between the left inner wall surface of heating chamber 2 and the left end of the left opaque piece 5 exceeds 9 mm, the gap between the left opaque piece 5 and the left inner wall surface of heating chamber 2 is too large. Therefore, there is a risk that microwaves will pass through this gap and penetrate the part of the internal space of heating chamber 2 above the cooking plate 3.

[0073] The above also applies when the distance between the right inner wall surface of heating chamber 2 and the right end of the right-side non-transparent piece 5 is less than 1.5 mm or greater than 9 mm. Therefore, the cooking plate 3 provided with the opaque pieces 5 of this embodiment can prevent sparks from occurring between the left and right inner walls of the heating chamber 2 and the left and right opaque pieces 5. Furthermore, this cooking plate 3 can suppress overheating of the food 4 caused by microwaves penetrating the portion of the internal space of the heating chamber 2 above the cooking plate 3.

[0074] Next, we will explain structure 7. As shown in Figures 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, the two structures 7 are integrally provided on the outside of both the front and rear sides of the opening of the cooking dish 3. Each structure 7 comprises an extension piece 71 and a hanging piece 72. The extension piece 71 and the hanging piece 72 are each strip-shaped and extend to the left and right. The width direction of the extension piece 71 is oriented front to back, and the width direction of the hanging piece 72 is oriented up and down. The thickness of the extension piece 71 and the hanging piece 72 is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0075] Figure 10 is a magnified view of the area enclosed by the X-ray in Figure 7. Figure 10 shows the vicinity of the front side of the cooking plate 3. Regarding the front structure 7, as shown in Figures 7 and 10, the extension piece 71 extends forward (outward) from the front edge of the opening of the cooking plate 3. The left and right ends of the extension piece 71 are integral with the front ends of the left and right opaque pieces 5 (see Figure 4). The hanging piece 72 hangs down from the front edge (the tip in the extension direction) of the extension piece 71. The angle between the extension piece 71 and the hanging piece 72 is slightly greater than 90° (for example, 95°), but is not limited to this.

[0076] Regarding the rear structure 7, as shown in Figure 7, the extension piece 71 extends backward (outward) from the rear edge of the opening of the cooking plate 3. The left and right ends of the extension piece 71 are integral with the rear ends of the left and right opaque pieces 5. The hanging piece 72 hangs down from the rear edge of the extension piece 71. To secure the lower end of each hanging piece 72, it is desirable that the lower part of each hanging piece 72 be bent toward the side facing the cooking plate 3.

[0077] The front and rear extension pieces 71 close the gap between the front and rear inner walls of the heating chamber 2 and the front and rear edges of the opening of the cooking plate 3. Furthermore, since the front and rear hanging pieces 72 hang down from the tips of the extension pieces 71 along the front and rear inner walls of the heating chamber 2, they can receive and reflect microwaves that are incident at an oblique angle towards the gap between the front and rear inner walls of the heating chamber 2 and the front and rear edges of the opening of the cooking plate 3. As a result, it is possible to suppress microwaves from entering the part of the internal space of the heating chamber 2 above the cooking plate 3 by passing between the front and rear inner walls of the heating chamber 2 and the front and rear edges of the opening of the cooking plate 3.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, the extension piece 71 and the opaque piece 5 are integrated, so that the front and rear extension pieces 71 and the left and right opaque pieces 5 form a flange-like structure on the opening periphery of the cooking plate 3. Therefore, the aesthetic incongruity caused by the presence of the opaque piece 5 and the structure 7 on the cooking plate 3 is reduced. As shown in Figure 7, the lower ends of the left and right hanging pieces 72 are positioned below the upper end of the inner bottom surface 3a of the cooking plate 3 (the surface to be placed in this embodiment 32), and above the lower end of the leg portion 81. As shown in Figure 10, the length from the upper surface of the extension piece 71 to the lower end of the hanging piece 72 (hereinafter referred to as the height B of the hanging piece 72) is between 10 mm and 40 mm.

[0079] If the lower end of the hanging piece 72 is positioned above the position of the mounting surface 32, or if the height B of the hanging piece 72 is less than 9 mm, the hanging piece 72 is too low, and there is a risk that microwaves will bypass the structure 7 and enter the space above the cooking plate 3. If the lower end of the hanging piece 72 is lower than the lower end of the leg portion 81, or if the height B of the hanging piece 72 exceeds 40 mm, the hanging piece 72 is too high, and the structure 7 is likely to get in the way of the user when the cooking plate 3 is removed from the heating chamber 2. In addition, the structure 7 may hinder, for example, the placement of the cooking plate 3 on a table.

[0080] Therefore, the cooking plate 3 equipped with the structure 7 of this embodiment suppresses microwaves from penetrating the portion of the internal space of the heating chamber 2 above the cooking plate 3, and there is no risk of the structure 7 causing problems outside the heating chamber 2. Furthermore, the height B of the hanging piece 72 is preferably 15 mm or more, and more preferably 20 mm. Also, the lower end of the hanging piece 72 is preferably at or above the lower end of the outer bottom surface 3b of the cooking plate 3.

[0081] When the cooking plate 3 is placed in the heating chamber 2, the clearance distance C (see Figure 10) between the front inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the front ends of the front extension piece 71 and the hanging piece 72 is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less. In this embodiment, the clearance distance C is the length in the front-rear direction between the inner surface of the door 12 and the lower end of the hanging piece 72. Similarly, the clearance distance C between the rear inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the rear ends of the rear extension piece 71 and the hanging piece 72 is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

[0082] If the separation distance C between the front inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the lower end of the front hanging piece 72 is less than 1.5 mm, the structure 7 is too close to the front inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2, and there is a risk of sparks occurring between the front inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the front structure 7. Furthermore, if the separation distance between the front inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the lower end of the front hanging piece 72 exceeds 9 mm, the gap between the front structure 7 and the front inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 becomes too large. Therefore, there is a risk that microwaves may penetrate through this gap into the part of the internal space of the heating chamber 2 above the cooking plate 3.

[0083] The above also applies when the distance between the rear inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the rear end of the rear extension piece 71 is less than 1.5 mm or greater than 9 mm. Therefore, the cooking plate 3 equipped with the structure 7 of this embodiment can prevent sparks from occurring between the front and rear inner walls of the heating chamber 2 and the front and rear structures 7. In other words, the cooking plate 3 of this embodiment is large enough that sparks do not occur, so a large amount of food 4 can be placed on the cooking plate 3. Furthermore, this cooking plate 3 can suppress overheating of the food 4 caused by microwaves entering the part of the internal space of the heating chamber 2 above the cooking plate 3.

[0084] With the heating appliance 1 described above, microwaves are prevented from penetrating the space between the cooking plate 3 and the inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2, specifically the portion of the heating chamber 2's internal space above the cooking plate 3. Therefore, microwaves that do penetrate the space above the cooking plate 3 are prevented from entering the food 4 placed on the cooking plate 3. Consequently, overheating of the food 4 can be prevented. As a result, excessive drying or carbonization of the food 4 due to overheating can be suppressed, thereby improving the taste, texture, etc., of the food 4.

[0085] The cooking plate 3 and the opaque section 16 receive the microwaves incident on them and reflect them downwards. The reflected microwaves can then be incident on the heating element 34 by being reflected, for example, by the inner surface of the inner box 13. Therefore, the amount of heat generated by the heating element 34 can be increased. Consequently, the food 4 can be thoroughly cooked in a short time.

[0086] The cooking appliance 1 is not limited to a configuration that only has a microwave function, but may also have a configuration that has, for example, a grill function or oven function that uses infrared rays. If the cooking appliance 1 is equipped with a heater on the inner top surface of the inner box 13, the food 4 placed on the cooking plate 3 is cooked from below by the heat emitted by the cooking plate 3 and from above by the heat emitted by the heater. The heating appliance 1 may be used with a cooking dish different from the cooking dish 3, or with heat-resistant tableware, etc. The cooking dish 3 may be used or sold on its own.

[0087] Furthermore, the configuration for realizing the heating function of the cooking plate 3 is not limited to a configuration in which the heating element 34 is attached to the outer bottom surface 3b of the cooking plate 3. For example, the outer bottom surface 3b of the cooking plate 3 may be coated with a paint containing ferrite. In addition, the heating element 34 may not only be integrally arranged on the outer bottom surface 3b, but may also be integrally arranged on the outer surface of the cooking plate 3, for example. The cooking plate 3 and the non-transparent portion 16 do not need to be configured to transmit microwaves, and are not limited to being configured to reflect microwaves. The storage groove 31 may be used to hold liquid that assists in the cooking of the food 4. For example, water for steaming can be placed in the storage groove 31. In this case, it is desirable that the cooking dish 3 be equipped with a lid.

[0088] The handle 8 covers the opaque piece 5 from below, but it may also cover it from above. The handle 8 may be configured to function as a spacer between the left and right inner walls of the heating chamber 2 and the left and right opaque pieces 5. For example, if the cooking plate 3 shifts to the left and the left handle 8 comes into contact with the left inner wall of the heating chamber 2, the separation distance A between the left inner wall of the heating chamber 2 and the left opaque piece 5 is 1.5 mm or more, and the separation distance A between the right inner wall of the heating chamber 2 and the right opaque piece 5 is 9 mm or less.

[0089] The legs 81 are not limited to being attached to the cooking plate 3 via the handle 8 and the non-permeable piece 5. The number and arrangement of the legs 81 are not limited. The legs 81 may be separate from the handle 8. The legs 81 may be arranged, for example, on the outer bottom surface 3b of the cooking plate 3. The thermal conductivity of the legs 81 may be greater than or equal to the thermal conductivity of the cooking plate 3, but it is preferable that it be lower than the thermal conductivity of the cooking plate 3. The left and right sides of the cooking plate 3 may be placed on the left and right supports 6 via the legs 81. The handle 8 does not necessarily have to have a through hole 80. The handle 8 is not limited to a hollow rod-shaped body, but may be a solid rod-shaped body, for example. The handle 8 may not have legs 81, and for example, when the cooking plate 3 is placed on a table, the bottom surface of the handle 8 may come into contact with the table. The handle 8 is not limited to being attached to the cooking plate 3 via an opaque piece 5.

[0090] If the cooking plate 3 does not have a handle 8 attached, or if the handle 8 is not placed on the support 6, the left and right edges of the outer bottom surface 3b of the cooking plate 3 may be placed directly on the left and right support 6. In this case, it is desirable that the upper surface of the support 6 be covered with a material that has heat resistance and electrical insulation properties. The left and right opaque pieces 5 and the front and rear structures 7 are each integrally attached to the cooking plate 3 and integrally attached to each other, but this is not limited to this. For example, the opaque pieces 5 and structures 7, which are separate from each other, may be individually attached to the cooking plate 3.

[0091] One of the front and rear structures 7 may be omitted. For example, the rear structure 7 may be omitted. If the rear structure 7 is omitted, for example, a second non-permeable material having microwave impermeability may be provided on the rear inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2, and the rear part of the cooking plate 3 may be placed on the second non-permeable material.

[0092] Figure 11 shows a modified example of the support 6. Figure 11 shows the left support 6. The left support 6 is formed by curving a portion of the left wall of the inner box 13 so that it protrudes to the left. The right support 6 is formed by curving a portion of the right wall of the inner box 13 so that it protrudes to the right. The support 6 has a concave shape, and its longitudinal direction is front to back. The user inserts the mounting portions 82 of the left and right handles 8 into the support 6 from the front.

[0093] Even with this configuration, the left-side opaque piece 5 and support 6 close the gap between the left inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the left edge of the opening of the cooking plate 3. Furthermore, the right-side opaque piece 5 and support 6 close the gap between the right inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the right edge of the opening of the cooking plate 3. Moreover, the opaque piece 5 is surrounded by the support 6 from above and below. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress microwaves from penetrating the space between the left inner wall surface of the heating chamber 2 and the left edge of the opening of the cooking plate 3 to the portion of the internal space of the heating chamber 2 above the cooking plate 3. In this embodiment, the support 6 is part of the inner box 13, but the invention is not limited to this, and a support 6 separate from the inner box 13 may be fixed (for example, welded) to the inner box 13.

[0094] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is intended to include, but not in the sense described above, the equivalents of the claims and all modifications within the claims. The independent and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the form of reference. Furthermore, while the claims use a multi-claim format in which claims refer to two or more other claims (multi-claim format), this is not the only option. A multi-claim format in which at least one multi-claim is referenced (multi-multi-claim format) may also be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 Cooker 16 Non-transparent part 2 Heating chamber 3 serving dishes 3a Inner bottom surface 31. Storage groove (edge ​​of the inner bottom surface) 4 Food (items to be heated) 5 Non-transparent piece 6 Support (opaque) 71 Extension piece 72 Hanging piece 8 Handles 81 Legs A, C separation distance B. Height (length from the upper surface of the extension to the lower end of the hanging piece)

Claims

1. A heating chamber in which microwaves are irradiated from below into the internal space, A cooking plate is housed in the heating chamber, on which the object to be heated is placed, is impermeable to microwaves, and generates heat when exposed to microwaves, It is provided so as to close the gap between the cooking plate and the inner wall surface of the heating chamber, and the non-transparent portion having microwave impermeability A cooking appliance characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned non-transparent portion is The cooking plate has extensions that extend outward from the front and rear edges of the opening, respectively, along the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber, A hanging piece extending from the tip of the extension piece in a direction along the front or rear inner wall surface of the heating chamber, A heating appliance according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following features.

3. The length from the upper surface of the extension piece to the lower end of the hanging piece is 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less. The heating appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the position of the lower end of the hanging piece is greater than or equal to the position of the lower end of the outer bottom surface of the cooking plate.

4. The aforementioned cooking plate has legs attached to it. The lower end of the leg is located below the lower end of the cooking plate. The heating appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the position of the lower end of the hanging piece is below the position of the upper end of the inner bottom surface of the cooking plate and above the position of the lower end of the leg portion.

5. The heating appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the separation distance between the front and rear inner wall surfaces and the front and rear extension pieces and hanging pieces is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

6. Handles with a lower thermal conductivity than the cooking plate are attached to both the left and right sides of the cooking plate. The aforementioned non-transparent portion is An impermeable body is provided on the inner wall surfaces on both the left and right sides of the heating chamber, on which the left and right sides of the cooking plate are placed directly or via the handle. A heating appliance according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following features.

7. The aforementioned non-transparent portion is An opaque piece extends outward from the left and right edges of the opening of the cooking plate, respectively, along the inner bottom surface of the heating chamber, and is covered by the handle from above or below. Furthermore, The left and right sides of the cooking plate are placed on the impermeable body with the handles interposed between them. The heating appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that the non-permeable piece is located above the non-permeable body.

8. The heating appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the separation distance between the left and right inner wall surfaces and the left and right non-transparent pieces is 1.5 mm or more and 9 mm or less.

9. The edge of the inner bottom surface of the aforementioned cooking plate is concave. The heating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner bottom surface is inclined downward from the center toward the edge.

10. It is housed in a heating chamber where microwaves are irradiated from below into the internal space, Having non-transmissive properties to microwaves, and generating heat when exposed to microwaves, A cooking plate characterized in that the non-transmissive structure having microwave impermeability is provided on the outside of the opening edge so as to close the gap between the opening edge and the inner wall surface of the heating chamber.

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